The Algerian women’s national football team booked their place in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 victory over Cameroon on Tuesday at Douala’s Stade de la Réunification, played behind closed doors.
This marks Algeria’s seventh qualification for the tournament and their second consecutive appearance, following their historic run in 2024 under coach Farid Benstiti, when the team reached the quarterfinals before losing to Ghana in a penalty shootout (0-0, 2-4 on penalties).
The decisive goal came in the 25th minute from Marine Dafeur. In the first leg last Thursday at Oran’s Stade Miloud Hadefi, the Algerians had won 2-1 thanks to two stunning direct free-kicks from Karchouni (23rd minute) and Dafeur (35th minute).
These victories are the first-ever for Algeria against Cameroon. Earlier this year, they had advanced through the second and final qualifying round by defeating South Sudan in both legs (5-0 away, 3-0 at home).
The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final stage is scheduled from March 17 to April 3.
