WAFCON Playoff Drama
Historic WAFCON Third-Place Playoff Sees Morocco Defeat Algeria on Penalties; European Clubs Fine-Tune Tactics
Key Points
Morgane Belkhiter was sent off in the 22nd minute, becoming the first Algerian player to receive a red card in WAFCON history.
Algeria’s third-place playoff appearance will mark their best-ever finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, regardless of the result.
Morocco had previously defeated Algeria 1-0 in the group stage, courtesy of Sanaa Mssoudy’s 84th‑minute strike.
Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 Emirates Cup win over Arsenal last weekend featured goals from Samuele Inacio, Konstantinos Karetsas and Joane Gadou.
Newcastle United vs. Bayer Leverkusen is expected to feature both sides in a 4-2-3-1 formation as they fine-tune tactics ahead of the season.
Algeria made WAFCON history on Friday — but not in the way they hoped. Morgane Belkhiter became the first Algerian player ever sent off in Women's Africa Cup of Nations history, receiving a red card just 22 minutes into the third-place playoff against Morocco in Rabat, according to beIN Sports. The match ended goalless after 90 minutes, with Algeria trailing Morocco 1-3 on penalties.
The result still marks Algeria's best-ever finish at WAFCON, regardless of the final outcome. It is also the first time two North African nations have ever met in a WAFCON medal match, according to beIN Sports.
Morocco and Algeria Make WAFCON History in Rabat
Morocco entered the third-place match as the stronger side on paper. They had already beaten Algeria 1-0 in the group stage, thanks to Sanaa Mssoudy's strike in the 84th minute, according to beIN Sports. In Rabat, Morocco dominated possession throughout the goalless draw. But Algeria, despite playing with 10 women for most of the match, pushed the game to penalties.
Algeria trailed 1-3 in the shootout, making Morocco the heavy favorites to claim third place. Still, Algeria can celebrate a landmark achievement. No Algerian women's team has ever finished this high at WAFCON. The match was held at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
Dortmund Host Roma at Signal Iduna Park Before Super Cup
Borussia Dortmund face AS Roma in their final pre-season match of the summer at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, according to Bradenton. The match serves as a last tune-up before the German Super Cup. Dortmund come in with strong recent form, having beaten Arsenal 3-2 in the Emirates Cup last weekend.
Goals from Samuele Inacio, Konstantinos Karetsas, and Joane Gadou sealed that win over Arsenal. Dortmund fans will want to see similar attacking sharpness against Roma, a side that will offer a stern European test ahead of the new 2026-27 season.
Newcastle and Leverkusen Mirror Each Other in Tactical Showdown
Newcastle United take on Bayer Leverkusen in a high-profile pre-season clash. Both teams are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as they fine-tune their systems ahead of the new campaign. It is a rare case of two sides essentially running the same tactical blueprint against each other, giving coaches a direct read on how their players handle a mirror match.
Fulham also wrap up their pre-season preparations on August 15 with a friendly against VfB Stuttgart, according to Athlon Sports. The match gives Fulham one final chance to test themselves against Bundesliga opposition before the Premier League season kicks off.
Porto Open Primeira Liga Defense Against Local Rivals Rio Ave
FC Porto begin their title defense in the Primeira Liga against Rio Ave. Porto enter the new season as reigning champions and are expected to set the pace early. The match is a familiar local rivalry, with Rio Ave based in nearby Vila do Conde, just north of Porto.
Porto's opening fixture is a statement of intent. Defending a league title puts a target on a club's back from match one. How Porto handle that pressure — starting against a side that knows them well — will offer an early signal of their form heading into 2026-27.
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