Algeria kicked off their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a crucial 1-0 victory over Botswana in their Group B opener on Sunday night at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca.
Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni was the hero for the North Africans, netting the decisive goal in the 10th minute. The goal came from a well-worked move on the right, as Inès Boutaleb delivered a pinpoint cut-back that Karchouni finished with composure to hand Algeria an early lead.
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The pattern of early goals continued in the tournament, but despite conceding, Botswana responded with determination and showed attacking intent throughout the match. They registered 10 shots, including three on target, but could not breach Algeria’s resolute defence.
Goalkeeper Chaima Bouheni was instrumental for Algeria, pulling off several vital saves to preserve the slim advantage. The Algerians remained largely in control of proceedings, ending the match with 14 total shots — seven of which were on target — but couldn’t convert further chances.
Botswana mounted a late push for an equaliser, but Algeria’s defensive discipline and well-timed interventions saw them hold out for all three points.
The result sees Algeria go level on points with Nigeria at the top of Group B, trailing only on goal difference after the Super Falcons defeated Tunisia 3-0 earlier in the day.
Botswana will need to regroup quickly as they face title contenders Nigeria on Thursday. Algeria, meanwhile, will be aiming to build on their winning start when they take on Tunisia in the next round of fixtures.
A victory for both Nigeria and Algeria on Thursday would see them clinch early qualification to the quarter-finals ahead of their final group match showdown.
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