Morocco U20 beat Algeria 3-1 to boost 2027 AFCON qualification hopes

Morocco’s Under-20 side strengthened their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Algeria in the North African Football Union (UNAF) qualifiers in Egypt.

Ludovic Batelli’s side scored three times after half-time at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, with Sami Bouhoudane, Mohamed Mounssef and Ilyass Hiddaoui finding the net to secure an important three points.

Algeria also scored, but Morocco held on to claim a decisive win in the regional qualifying tournament.

Morocco strike three times after the break

The first half ended goalless, but Morocco quickly took control after the interval.

Bouhoudane broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute before Mounssef doubled Morocco’s advantage just two minutes later.

Hiddaoui then added a third goal in the 64th minute to put the Atlas Cubs firmly in control.

Algeria managed to pull one goal back, but Morocco protected their lead to claim their first victory of the competition.

Victory strengthens Morocco’s qualification bid

The result moves Morocco to four points from their opening two matches.

The Atlas Cubs began their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Tunisia on 27 September, having received a bye in the opening round.

Algeria had also collected four points before Wednesday’s meeting after drawing 1-1 with Tunisia and beating Libya 3-1. Their defeat leaves them with four points from three matches.

The UNAF tournament features Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, with the competition being played in Egypt from 24 September to 6 October.

Ghana awaits two qualifying teams

The tournament is being played in a single round-robin format, with each side facing the other four teams once.

The top two teams will qualify for the 2027 U20 AFCON finals in Ghana.

Morocco still have two matches to play and will face hosts Egypt on 3 October at the Suez Canal Stadium before meeting Libya at Ismailia Stadium on 6 October.

Wednesday’s victory therefore gives Batelli’s side valuable momentum as they continue their pursuit of a place at the African U20 finals in Ghana.