Pair of African nations secure spots in 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup

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Algeria and Morocco have become the first African nations to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after both secured victories in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals.

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Algeria booked their place at the global tournament for the first time after coming from behind to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1, while Morocco defeated defending champions South Africa by the same scoreline.

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The two North African sides secured automatic qualification by reaching the WAFCON semi-finals.

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Algeria produced a dramatic comeback against Côte d’Ivoire after Ines Konan put the Ivorians ahead in the 30th minute.

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The Fennecs were handed a major boost before half-time when Côte d’Ivoire were reduced to 10 players following N’Sira Ouedraogo’s dismissal for a high boot on goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi.

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Algeria took advantage after the break, with Ines Khiri restoring parity in the 58th minute with a looping effort over goalkeeper Aramatou Diakite.

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Six minutes later, Amira Braham completed the turnaround with a long-range strike into the bottom-right corner to send Algeria into their first-ever Women’s World Cup finals.

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Morocco also secured their second successive World Cup appearance after edging South Africa 2-1.

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The Atlas Lionesses took the lead in the 29th minute when Sakina Ouzraoui produced a superb first-time lob over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.

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Morocco doubled their advantage shortly after half-time when Hanane Ait El Haj converted from the penalty spot after Noxolo Cesane brought down Ghizlane Chebbak.

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South Africa responded through Thembi Kgatlana in the 67th minute, but Morocco held on to reach the semi-finals and secure their place at Brazil 2027.

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Morocco made history at the 2023 Women’s World Cup by becoming the first Arab nation to reach the knockout stages of the competition.

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Two more African nations will join Algeria and Morocco at the 2027 World Cup after the remaining WAFCON quarter-finals.

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Cameroon face Nigeria, while Malawi take on Ghana on Sunday, with both winners automatically securing World Cup qualification.

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Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa, meanwhile, remain in contention through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

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The two defeated quarter-finalists will meet in a play-off match on 13 August, with the winner advancing to the 2027 World Cup alongside one of the other two losing quarter-finalists.

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The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be staged in Brazil, with the tournament bringing together the world’s leading women’s national teams.

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