The CAN U20 tournament in Algeria has kicked off, and here’s a brief assessment of the early matches:
- Algeria Held by Benin:
- Algeria, the host country, faced a setback in their opening match against Benin, resulting in a draw. The junior Squirrels, considered underdogs, played well and even had opportunities to win. Algeria will now need to recover quickly as they face Egypt next.
- Egypt Triumphs Over Ghana:
- The junior Pharaohs secured a 2-1 victory against Ghana in a competitive match. This win puts Egypt at the top of Group A. Ghana, considered favorites, will need to bounce back in their upcoming match against Benin.
- Nigeria Stumbles Against Mali:
- Nigeria, regarded as favorites, had a disappointing performance against Mali, resulting in a draw. This unexpected outcome adds pressure on the Flying Eagles, who will need to recover swiftly in their next match against Gabon.
- Gabon and DR Congo Draw:
- Gabon and DR Congo had a lackluster match that ended in a goalless draw. Both teams will be looking to improve their performance in the upcoming matches to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Upcoming Matches:
- Tuesday, March 19:
- Algeria vs. Egypt (7:30 p.m.)
- Ghana vs. Benin (4:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, March 20:
- Mali vs. DR Congo (4:30 p.m.)
- Gabon vs. Nigeria (7:30 p.m.)
The tournament promises more exciting clashes as teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals and the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.
