Morocco made it two wins from two matches after Sanaa Mssoudy scored a late winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Algeria.
Both teams went into the match full of confidence after winning their opening fixtures. Morocco had beaten Kenya 4-0, while Algeria had defeated Senegal 2-0, making this one of the biggest games of the group stage.
As expected, it was a tight and tactical contest. Algeria stayed organised at the back, just as coach Farid Benstiti had said before the match, frustrating the hosts for long periods. Morocco controlled more possession but struggled to create clear chances during the first half.
The intensity of the derby was reflected in several bookings, with Algeria’s Ikram Adjabi and Ines Belloumou, along with Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj, all shown yellow cards before the break.
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Morocco increased the pressure after half-time as coach Jorge Vilda made attacking changes, introducing captain Ghizlane Chebbak after Ibtissam Jraidi had already come off the bench.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 84th minute when Mssoudy found the net to send the home supporters into celebration.
Morocco managed the closing stages well and prevented Algeria from finding an equaliser to seal another valuable three points.
The result leaves the Atlas Lionesses on six points at the top of Group A and in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals, while Algeria will have to fight for qualification in their final group match.