Nouhaila Benzina Hits the Post From the Spot as Algeria Beats Morocco on Penalties to Claim Women's AFCON Bronze

A goalpost stopped the home party in Rabat. With the clock already deep into stoppage time and Morocco holding what looked like the winning 3-2 in its boots, Nouhaila Benzina smashed her penalty kick off the post. That single moment changed everything: the match ended 1-1, and third place at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations was decided from the penalty spot, where Algeria beat the host nation 3-2.

It's a double blow for Morocco. Not only does the team leave without a medal on home soil, it also closes out three straight tournaments as host without a title. That's a stat that stings, especially since the side arrived with hopes of reaching the final for a third consecutive time.

The penalty that forced extra time was no fluke. VAR reviewed a play involving Lana Smits, whose arm struck Sakina Ouzraoui in the face. The Moroccan player went down holding her mouth as the referee confirmed the spot kick. Before that moment, the scoreboard already had a story of its own: Kautar Azraf had put the home side ahead before halftime, but Lina Boussaha popped up late to level things for Algeria and send the match to extra time.

There were no more goals after that, and it all came down to penalties. The star of the shootout was goalkeeper Chloe N'Gazin, who saved two Moroccan attempts and buried the hosts' hopes for good. On the Moroccan sideline, coach Jorge Vilda, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2023, watched it all with a look of resignation.

A Historic Achievement for Algeria

For Algeria, this third-place finish is no small detail in its recent history: it's the best result the team has ever posted at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. It's a consolation prize with special flavor, considering the road wasn't easy and that the opponent was a longtime rival playing at home.

Morocco, meanwhile, was left with the sting of failing to reach the final again. Its exit came in the semifinals, also on penalties, against Cameroon, which will now face Malawi, a tournament debutant, on Sunday with the title on the line.

Beyond the medals, the tournament also settled key questions looking ahead. The four semifinalists, Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon and Malawi, have already secured their spots at the next Women's World Cup, to be held in Brazil. Meanwhile, Ghana and South Africa still have a shot at qualifying through FIFA's intercontinental playoff.