Benstiti and his players will now focus on their semi-final clash with the winner of the last-eight encounter between Ghana and debutants Malawi.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Algeria women’s national team head coach Farid Benstiti praised his team after their historic comeback against Côte d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday.
He hailed the squad’s “resilience, tactical maturity, and growth” after they booked their place in the last four of the tournament in Casablanca, Morocco.
Algeria fought back from a goal down to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in a thrilling encounter to reach the semi-finals.
The West Africans made the brighter start and took the lead in the 29th minute when Inès Konan struck to put the Elephants in front.
Their advantage was reduced, however, when N. Ouédraogo was sent off in the 42nd minute, leaving Côte d’Ivoire with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.
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Algeria took advantage of their numerical superiority after the break, with substitute I. Khiri, introduced at half-time, equalising in the 59th minute.
Côte d’Ivoire had an immediate opportunity to regain the lead, but R. Elloh failed to convert from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.
The North Africans punished the miss two minutes later when an A. Braham strike put them ahead. Despite the Elephants’ push for an equaliser, Algeria held on to secure their place in the last four.
Speaking after the win, Benstiti noted that his players had “grown stronger with every match” and were “ready to overcome past disappointments.”
Algeria will now turn their attention to a semi-final clash with Ghana or debutants Malawi as they continue their bid for a maiden WAFCON title.
