Algeria secured a vital point in a goalless draw against Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time in their history.

The tightly contested encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca saw Nigeria dominate possession and create the bulk of the chances, but Algeria’s defensive organisation and goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi’s heroics ensured the spoils were shared.

With Botswana beating Tunisia 2-1 in the group’s other match, Algeria’s hard-earned point was enough to see them finish second in Group B with five points, behind Nigeria who topped the group with seven.

The Super Falcons, already assured of qualification, made several changes to their starting line-up but still threatened throughout the match. Francisca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo all came close, but Algeria stood firm.