Algeria secured a 2:1 victory over Côte d'Ivoire in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (women) on Friday. The hosts entered the match top of the standings with seven points from three games. Algeria sat second with six points, one loss already on their record.
The visitors controlled the tempo for long spells, holding 62 per cent possession against 38 for their opponents. Côte d'Ivoire launched 84 attacks to Algeria's 87, but the difference lay in efficiency. The hosts fired nine shots with only 38 per cent accuracy. Algeria struck six times on target with zero shots off target.
A red card for Côte d'Ivoire shifted the balance further. The visitors had already demonstrated composure in their recent fixtures, winning 2:0 against Kenya and holding off Morocco's challenge. The hosts, meanwhile, had dropped points against South Africa in a 2:2 draw and suffered a 0:1 defeat to Ghana.
Both sides accumulated two yellow cards each, suggesting a competitive edge throughout. Côte d'Ivoire earned five corners compared to Algeria's two, reflecting periods of sustained pressure despite the numerical disadvantage. The hosts also registered four blocked shots and two offsides.
The result reshapes the quarter-final picture. Algeria move closer to the semi-finals while Côte d'Ivoire's unbeaten run comes to an end. The visitors now carry momentum from their 2:0 victory over Senegal and can afford one more setback before elimination.