Algeria moved within reach of the third qualifying round for the 2028 Olympic Games after an emphatic 8-0 victory over the Central African Republic in the first leg of their second-round tie.
Playing as the away side because their opponents do not have an approved stadium, Algeria produced a dominant display at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers on Friday.
Farid Benstiti’s team settled the contest before half-time. The Central African Republic captain turned Morgane Belkhiter’s right-wing cut-back into her own goal in the 21st minute, giving Algeria the lead.
Marine Dafeur doubled the advantage six minutes later with a direct free-kick from 30 metres. Lina Boussaha added a third in the 30th minute before Sofia Bekhaled completed a fine team move to make it 4-0 seven minutes before the interval.
Algeria continued to press after the break and extended their lead through Naili Nouhed in the 51st minute. Ines Belloumou then scored from a free-kick in the 68th minute.
Lynda Bendris added a seventh in the 81st minute after reacting quickly in the area, while Nesrime Bahlouli completed the scoring in the 90th minute following an impressive individual run.
The second leg is scheduled to take place in Algiers on 13 October.
Cote d’Ivoire take control against DR Congo
Earlier on Friday, Cote d’Ivoire also established a strong advantage in their second-round tie by beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 4-1 at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Grace Ruth Sery put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot in the third minute. Anastasia Soulac levelled for the DRC in the 16th minute, but Sery restored Cote d’Ivoire’s lead four minutes later.
The Elephants strengthened their position after half-time, with Estelle Gnaly making it 3-1 in the 49th minute. Karidja Fofana added a fourth four minutes later to complete the scoring.
Cote d’Ivoire will now take a significant lead into the return fixture in Abidjan, with both teams seeking a place in the third qualifying round for the 2028 Olympic Games.