The Atlas Lionesses gave everything in Rabat, producing another emotional performance in their final match of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco took the lead and fought until the final whistle, but Algeria ultimately secured third place after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Morocco Strike First
The Atlas Lionesses entered the match with clear determination to finish their campaign on the podium.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 37th minute, when Kautar Azraf found the breakthrough and sent Morocco into the interval with a deserved advantage.
The goal reflected the hosts' attacking intent and their desire to end the tournament with a final victory.
Algeria Fight Back Late
Morocco continued to defend its advantage as the match entered its final stages, but Algeria refused to give up.
In the 84th minute, Boussaha restored parity, setting up a tense finale with both teams searching for the decisive moment.
The Atlas Lionesses then had a golden opportunity to settle the contest in stoppage time. ## A Dramatic Ending
Deep into added time, Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 90+5th minute, presenting the Atlas Lionesses with a chance to secure the bronze medal.
The opportunity was not converted, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
From the spot, Algeria eventually prevailed 3-2, securing third place while Morocco finished fourth.
A Campaign Full of Character
The final result was undoubtedly difficult to take, but it cannot erase the determination and quality shown by the Atlas Lionesses throughout their home tournament.
Morocco competed deep into the competition once again, demonstrating the growing strength of women's football in the country and giving supporters countless moments of pride along the way.
The Journey Continues
Fourth place may not have been the ending Morocco dreamed of, but this campaign provides another valuable chapter in the continued rise of the Atlas Lionesses.
With the experience of another major continental tournament behind them, the team can now turn its attention toward the next challenge: the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The medal may have slipped away, but the journey continues, and the Atlas Lionesses have every reason to believe that their biggest chapter is still ahead.