Pedros warns Algeria await: Côte d'Ivoire must seize their moment

The head coach of the Ivory Coast women’s national team, Reynald Pedros, has reserved his highest praise for Algeria ahead of Saturday’s CAN Féminine 2026 quarter-final in Tlemcen.

Pedros described Algeria as the most impressive side in the tournament so far, praising their technical quality and collective organisation. “Algeria is the best team, the side that has played the best football in this tournament,” he told reporters in Oran. “If we reproduce the 70 minutes we showed against South Africa, we will have our chances to qualify.”

The Ivorians arrive in confident mood after topping Group B with two wins and a draw. They beat Burkina Faso 4-1, defeated Tanzania 2-1, and shared points with South Africa in a 2-2 stalemate. Pedros pointed to that South Africa game as the reference point for what his team must repeat against Algeria.

Algeria, meanwhile, finished second in Group A with two victories before losing narrowly to Morocco 1-0 in their final group match. The Atlas Lionesses’ run has been built on disciplined defending and rapid transitions, qualities that make them a formidable opponent in the knockout phase.

Both teams now face a duel with continental and global stakes. The winner of Saturday’s tie will secure a semi-final place in the CAN Féminine 2026 and, crucially, direct qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

Pedros stressed that his players must reproduce the intensity and focus they showed in the second half against South Africa, when they recovered from 2-0 down to claim a draw. “We showed character and resilience in that game,” he said. “That mentality is what we need against Algeria.”

Algeria’s coach has not publicly commented on the Ivorians’ approach, but the Atlas Lionesses have already exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals. Their campaign included victories over Senegal and Guinea, as well as the narrow defeat to Morocco.

The match will be played at the Ahmed Zabana Stadium in Oran, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 local time. The stadium’s capacity of 40,000 will host a clash that could redefine the tournament’s landscape.

For the Ivorians, a positive result would cap a strong group-stage return to the CAN Féminine after missing the 2022 edition. For Algeria, victory would mark their best-ever performance in the competition and a first-ever Women’s World Cup berth.