🇩🇿 Algeria Edge Botswana to Start WAFCON 2024 Campaign with Vital Win
Algeria Secure Long-Awaited WAFCON Victory, Building Momentum at WAFCON 2024
The Algerian women’s national team made a powerful statement in their opening match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating Botswana 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter in Casablanca.
Midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni was the hero of the day, finding the back of the net in the 10th minute with a composed finish that ended Algeria’s long wait for a win at the continental showpiece — their first since 2014.
The result places Algeria in a promising position in Group B, which includes tournament heavyweights Nigeria and regional rivals Tunisia. It also revives hopes of finally progressing beyond the group stage — a feat the team has never achieved in its five previous WAFCON appearances.
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🔍 Match Highlights: Algeria 1–0 Botswana
⚽ Goal: Ghoutia Karchouni (10’)
🧤 Key Save: Goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi (Chaima Bouheni) preserved the clean sheet with a crucial second-half stop.
📍 Venue: Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
📅 Date: July 6, 2025
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📊 Group B Standings After Matchday 1
Team Played Points GD
Nigeria 1 3 +3
Algeria 1 3 +1
Tunisia 1 0 -3
Botswana 1 0 -1
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💬 Coach’s Reaction
> “This win means everything. It’s not just three points—it’s a turning point for women’s football in Algeria,” said head coach Farid Benstiti, who took over the team earlier this year. “The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum against Tunisia.”
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⚔️ What’s Next?
Algeria’s next match is a crucial Group B clash against Tunisia on July 10, 2025, at Stade Père Jégo. A victory there could all but guarantee a historic place in the quarterfinals.
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📌 About WAFCON 2024
Held in Morocco from July 5–26, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations features 12 teams battling for continental glory and qualification spots for global tournaments. This year’s edition has seen increased competitiveness and investment, with rising nations like Algeria pushing traditional giants.
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With a renewed sense of purpose and tactical discipline, Algeria have announced themselves as serious contenders. Can they go further than ever before? The journey continues.
