Algeria’s path to glory began with a determined display against the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, who had taken an early lead through Inès Konan in the 30th minute. The Ivorian side’s dominance was short-lived, however, as their star player Safi N’Sira Ouedraogo received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi just before halftime. The sending-off shifted the momentum entirely in Algeria’s favor.

The turning point came in the second half when substitute Inès Khiri equalized for Algeria in the 58th minute, just minutes after coming on for Lina Boussaha. The pressure intensified on Côte d’Ivoire when their penalty attempt by Rebecca Elloh was dramatically saved by the woodwork in the 62nd minute. Algeria then capitalized on an error by Ivorian goalkeeper Aramatou Diakité to take the lead through Amira Ould Braham in the 64th minute, sealing their historic victory.

This quarterfinal triumph marks Algeria’s first-ever appearance in the Women’s CAN semifinals, a milestone that has sent shockwaves through African football. The victory also secured Algeria’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a feat that underscores the nation’s growing prominence in women’s football. Algeria will now face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Malawi and Ghana in the semifinals, with a place in the final and automatic Olympic qualification on the line.