WAFCON 2024: Karchouni’s Early Strike Gives Algeria Opening Win Over Botswana

Algeria opened their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana in Group B, courtesy of a well-taken early goal from Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni.

The match, played under the lights at the Père Jégo Stadium, saw the North Africans make their intentions clear from the onset. In just the 10th minute, Inès Boutaleb delivered a sharp cut-back from the right flank, finding Karchouni who calmly slotted home to give Algeria an early lead.

Botswana responded with determination and created several promising chances, registering 10 shots — three of which tested goalkeeper Chaima Bouheni, who stood firm between the posts to keep the Desert Foxes ahead.

Algeria, however, controlled large portions of the game, finishing with 14 total shots and 7 on target. Despite their dominance in possession and attacking pressure, they could not find a second goal to seal the result.

As the match wore on, Botswana pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Algeria’s organised backline, led by their experienced defenders, made timely interventions to maintain the lead and secure the three points.

With the victory, Algeria sit in a strong position in Group B, setting the pace early in the tournament. Botswana, though disappointed, can draw confidence from their competitive display as they prepare to face Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Algeria will turn their focus to their next encounter against Tunisia as they aim to continue their winning form in Morocco.