Morocco v Algeria: How to watch crucial UNAF Under-20 derby live

Morocco and Algeria meet in Egypt on Wednesday in a decisive early fixture in the race to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 in 2027.

The North African rivals face each other at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, a month after Algeria’s Fennecs defeated Morocco in the semi-finals of the Mediterranean Games.

The match is the third round of the UNAF Under-20 tournament, which will determine the region’s qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana. Egypt, Tunisia and Libya are also competing in the single-group tournament, with only the top two teams progressing to the continental finals.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 in Egypt on Wednesday, 30 September. The game starts at 13:30 in Morocco, 14:30 in Algeria and 15:30 in France.

The match will be available to watch free of charge via the official UNAF YouTube channel, which is showing the tournament’s fixtures. Algerian channel TV6 could also broadcast the game, having shown Algeria’s previous match against Libya.

Algeria hold the advantage

Algeria go into the derby in the stronger position, having collected four points from their opening two games.

Hocine El Orfi’s side began with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia before recording a 3-1 victory over Libya. Mohamed Seddik, Yanis Sellami and Yassine Aiche scored in that win.

Victory against Morocco would take Algeria to seven points and leave them within touching distance of qualification, with their final group match against Egypt to come on 6 October.

Mohamed Seddik, who has scored in both of Algeria’s opening games, will be one of the main threats for the Fennecs.

Morocco need a positive result

Morocco’s position is less secure after they were given a bye on the opening day. The Lionceaux began their campaign with a goalless draw against Tunisia.

Ludovic Batelli’s team will still have matches against Egypt and Libya after Wednesday’s derby, but defeat would leave them with only one point and significantly reduce their room for error.

Zyad Baha, Ilyes Belmokhtar and Taha Majni will be expected to provide a greater attacking threat after Morocco failed to score in their first match.

The result will therefore have importance beyond the traditional rivalry between the neighbouring countries. Algeria can take a major step towards reaching the finals in Ghana, while Morocco need to begin building momentum and maximise their chance of finishing in the top two.