Algeria coach Farid Benstiti has praised his team's defensive resilience after securing a hard-fought goalless draw against Nigeria's Super Falcons in their Group B encounter at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The North Africans held Justine Madugu's side to a 0-0 stalemate at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Sunday night, employing a disciplined defensive strategy throughout the match.
Algeria's goalkeeper Chloé N'Gazi emerged as a standout performer, making several crucial saves to deny the nine-time African champions from finding the back of the net.
Speaking after the match, Benstiti expressed pride in his players' performance, highlighting their tactical discipline against one of Africa's most formidable teams.
"We knew it would take a perfect defensive game to hold Nigeria. I'm proud of the girls – they showed heart and tactical maturity," Benstiti told CAFonline.
The result proved significant for both teams, with Nigeria securing top spot in Group B while Algeria finished second with five points from their three matches.
The Fennecs will now face tournament hosts Morocco's Atlas Lionesses in what promises to be an exciting North African derby in the quarter-finals on Friday.
For the Super Falcons, the draw maintains their unbeaten run in the tournament as they continue their quest for a record-extending tenth WAFCON title.
Prior to the match, Algeria's coach had acknowledged the challenge of facing Nigeria, describing the fixture as a tough test for his squad. The subsequent performance validated his team's preparation and tactical approach.
The 2024 WAFCON tournament has already seen five teams qualify for the quarter-finals, with more knockout stage participants to be determined as the group stage concludes.
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