Algeria and Tunisia share points in UNAF U20 opener

Algeria and Tunisia began their UNAF U20 campaign with a 1-1 draw in Suez, Egypt, on Thursday, leaving both sides temporarily level at the top of the group.

The tournament is being used to qualify teams for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, with the opening match producing an even contest between two sides competing in a five-team group.

Algeria made the stronger start under new coach Hocine El Orfi, who replaced Brahim Hemdani. They took the lead after only nine minutes when Lens forward Mohamed Seddik met a right-wing cross from Yanis Sofikitis and headed powerfully past the Tunisia goalkeeper.

The Algerians came close to extending their advantage before Tunisia found an equaliser in the 30th minute. Mohamed Yassine Chaabani’s header from a free-kick was inadvertently diverted into his own goal by Adam Marchal, bringing Tunisia level at 1-1.

Tunisia applied pressure after half-time and created several opportunities, but could not find a second goal. Algeria improved late in the match following a number of substitutions and threatened on the counter-attack.

Slim Bouasker, goalkeeper for the Carthage Eagles, then made an important intervention to deny an Algerian break and ensure the points were shared.

Algeria and Tunisia sit provisionally at the top of the standings ahead of Egypt’s match against Libya later on Thursday evening. Algeria will face Libya on Sunday, while Tunisia will meet Morocco on the same day. Morocco were exempt from the opening round of fixtures.

The five participating teams are competing in a single league table, with the top two securing qualification for next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Ghana.