In an exciting turn of events at the CAN 2026 tournament, Sofia Bekhaled, the talented forward for OL Lyonnes, is set to make her first starting appearance for Algeria in their quarter-final match against Ivory Coast in Casablanca. This opportunity arises from an unfortunate injury to her teammate, Sofia Guellati, who had to exit the previous group stage match prematurely, paving the way for Bekhaled to showcase her skills beyond her brief ten-minute debut.
Bekhaled's journey through the tournament has been marked by a mix of fortune and misfortune. She stepped onto the field during the group stages after Guellati suffered an injury in the 7th minute, allowing Bekhaled to demonstrate her potential in a critical moment. With Guellati still sidelined for the quarter-finals, Bekhaled is expected to take on a more significant role in this high-stakes match against a formidable opponent.
The Ivorian team has been impressive throughout the group stages, finishing at the top of their group with an undefeated record, consisting of two victories and a draw. This sets a daunting challenge for the Algerian players, who must rise to the occasion under the guidance of coach Farid Benstiti. The stakes are high as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals, making this match not only a test of skill but also of strategic prowess.
With the match scheduled for Saturday at 7 PM, all eyes will be on Bekhaled as she makes her mark on this prestigious tournament and seeks to contribute to Algeria's quest for glory.
As reported by olympique-et-lyonnais.com.
