UNAF U20: Morocco beat Algeria 3-1 to boost Africa Cup of Nations hopes

Morocco claimed their first victory in the UNAF U20 qualifying tournament with a 3-1 win over Algeria at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Wednesday.

The result came on the third matchday of the North African Football Union competition, which will determine qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations U20 in Ghana.

Algeria made the brighter start. Mouhammad Valmy tested Morocco goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch in the ninth minute after capitalising on a misplaced pass near the edge of the area, but his deflected effort was turned behind.

Saad Boussadia of Lille went close two minutes later after weaving through the Morocco defence, only for Bellaarouch to make another save. Algeria threatened again in the 12th minute when two players got in each other’s way as they attempted to finish a move from the left.

Morocco gradually found their rhythm, with Ilies Belmokhtar of Monaco seeing a shot from the right deflected for a corner in the 15th minute.

The Atlas Cubs then missed the best chance of the first half. Hamza Raji was left unmarked in front of goal after meeting Belmokhtar’s cross, but the RS Berkane striker lifted his effort over the bar in the 38th minute.

Mohamed Mounssef tested Algeria goalkeeper Mohammed El Koubi four minutes later after holding off a challenge from Adam Letlat of West Bromwich. Morocco finished the opening period strongly, although Valmy narrowly missed putting Algeria ahead against the run of play in the fourth minute of added time.

Algeria captain Yanis Sellami of OM forced Bellaarouch into a two-handed save from distance shortly after the restart. It proved to be the final significant opportunity for the Algerians before Morocco took control.

Morocco scored three times in 11 minutes as Algeria’s defence collapsed.

Sami Bouhoudane opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, driving a powerful shot into the right side of the net and under El Koubi’s crossbar after being set up by substitute Safouane Benzahra of Monaco.

Bouhoudane, who plays for Cambuur, turned provider three minutes later. His header found Mounssef, who finished into an empty net after El Koubi had come off his line and failed to claim the ball.

Morocco added a third in the 64th minute. Belmokhtar delivered a free-kick from the right and Ilyas Hidaoui headed home with a smart finish to put his side firmly in control.

El Koubi denied Raji in the 69th minute before Letlat cleared off the line four minutes later to prevent further damage.

Algeria pulled one back in the 84th minute through Amdjed Niou of ES Ben Aknoun, who calmly beat Bellaarouch with a precise angled finish.

The Fennecs missed two late chances to reduce the deficit to 3-2. Bellaarouch saved in the 90th minute and Mohamed Mehdi Meziane of Olympique Akbou fired over from the penalty spot in the fourth minute of added time.

Morocco had drawn 0-0 with Tunisia in their opening match. They must now face Egypt and Libya, while Algeria need a result against Egypt to retain hopes of reaching the finals.