Morocco Women vs Algeria Women WAFCON Preview
Morocco and Algeria are aiming to build on their winning starts to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations when they meet in their second Group A fixture.
The Atlas Lionesses’ overall form has been particularly impressive lately, and they should have the edge over their North African rivals.
Key Stats
- Morocco are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Morocco have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Algeria have failed to win three of their last five matches.
Upper Hand for Algeria
Algeria have the upper hand in this fixture and are unbeaten in five of the previous six meetings. However, Morocco's only win came in the most recent clash as they picked up a 2-0 victory in a friendly in 2020.
Morocco Looking Unstoppable
Morocco were in rampant mood in their opening fixture as they eased to a 4-0 victory over Kenya. Ibtissam Jraidi netted a brace while Maryame Atiq and Sekina Ouzraoui were also on target.
It was a solid start to the campaign for Morocco, who are looking to go one better this time around after reaching the final in 2024. Jorge Vilda’s team are currently top of the table on goal difference and will be keen to maintain their momentum.
Morocco's win in the opening fixture highlights their overall form coming into the tournament. They are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, winning four of the last five fixtures in this run.
Solid Start For Algeria
Algeria also made a winning start to their WAFCON campaign, picking up a 2-0 victory over Senegal. Marine Dafeur struck the opening goal just before the break while Melissa Bethi netted the second two minutes from time.
Manager Farid Benstiti will be pleased to have begun with a win and will be looking to maintain their start. A win for Algeria on Thursday will see them progress to the knockout stage.
Another reason for the manager to be pleased is that Algeria appear to be finding their form at the right time, having looked a bit off colour in the build-up to the tournament. The Fennecs failed to win three of their four matches heading to the WAFCON.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Morocco (4-3-3): Khadija Er-Rmichi; Hanane Ait El Haj, Maryame Atiq, Nouhalia Benzina, Zineb Redouani; Yasmine Mrabet, Elodie Nakkach, Ghizlane Chebbak; Sekina Ouzraoui, Ibtissam Jraidi, Sanaa Mssoudy.
Captain Chebbak sat out the opening fixture for Morocco and is expected to get a run-out on Thursday. Mssoudy is set to feature in attack while Atiq and Benzina should continue at the back.
Algeria (4-2-3-1): Chloe N'gazi; Morgane Belkhiter, Lana Smits, Roselene Khezami, Ines Belloumou; Amira Ould Braham, Marine Dafeur; Melissa Bethi, Lina Boussaha, Lynda Bendris, Ikram Adjabi.
Algeria are likely to stick with the team that started the opening fixture, with Smits and Khezami continuing their partnership in central defence. Dafeur should feature in midfield while Adjabi is set to lead the line once again.