Algeria kicked off their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 campaign with a crucial 1-0 win over Botswana in their Group B opener on Saturday night at the Stade Père Jégo.
The match was decided early on, as Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni netted the winner in the 10th minute. Inès Boutaleb delivered a smart cut-back from the right wing, and Karchouni coolly finished to give Algeria the lead.
Algeria dominated large parts of the game, registering 14 shots with seven on target. Despite constant pressure, they couldn’t find a second goal. Botswana, meanwhile, showed determination with 10 attempts—three of which tested Algerian goalkeeper Chaima Bouheni, who made key saves to maintain the clean sheet.
Botswana pressed for an equaliser late on but were unable to break down a disciplined Algerian defence.
The result gives Algeria a strong start in Group B. Botswana, though defeated, can take heart from a competitive showing and now turn their focus to a tough clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons. Algeria will face Tunisia next as they aim to build on this early momentum.
