Algeria Cup. Women
The Algeria Women's Cup is a prestigious national knockout competition run by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), pitting top women's clubs from across the country in a battle for glory and continental qualification spots.
History and foundation
Launched in the late 1990s amid the nascent growth of women's football post-FAF recognition in 1990, the first edition kicked off in 1998. A milestone came in 2015 when Algeria's national team reached the Africa Cup of Nations final, boosting club momentum. The 2020 edition halted due to COVID-19 but roared back in 2022 with GS Pétroliers' triumph. ASK holds the record with 7 titles, including a dramatic 2018 penalty shootout win.
Tournament format
Pure knockout format from the round of 32, featuring ~32 teams from top divisions. Stages progress through round of 16, quarters, semis to a single-match final on neutral ground, often in Algiers. Extra time and penalties resolve ties; the tournament spans 4-5 months.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.4, favoring tight defenses—finals often end 1-0 or 2-1. Top scorers include Fatima Batour (28 goals for GS Pétroliers) and Nadia Assoua (22 for ASK). Standouts: Linda Djenar (MC Alger captain, set-piece wizard) and Halima Sadi (Saoura's speedy winger), key to Algeria's 2019 World Cup qualifiers.