Algeria edge past Morocco in opening UNAF U17 qualifier

Algeria began their Union of North African Football (UNAF) tournament campaign with a 1-0 victory over Morocco on Tuesday, taking an early lead in the qualifying competition for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament.

In the first-round meeting at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse, Tunisia, Algeria defeated the Atlas Cubs through a finely constructed goal shortly before half-time.

The decisive moment came in the 41st minute when Dawoud Bellagra produced an outstanding piece of individual skill. The Toulouse attacking midfielder launched a counter-attack down the left, controlling the ball to evade Noham Varela before dribbling past Ilyas Houira.

Bellagra then played a through ball into the centre for Ilyes Ziane, who had timed his run behind Rayan Salulu. The Clermont midfielder completed the move by lifting the ball over Morocco goalkeeper Iyad Hamzi.

The result gives Algeria revenge for their 3-0 defeat by Morocco in the previous edition of the tournament. It also puts Karim Ziani’s side at the top of the standings, although that position remains subject to the result of the later meeting between Tunisia and Egypt.

Algeria will face Tunisia next on 16 November. Victory in that match would secure the Greens’ passage to the final tournament of the Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 competition.

Morocco, who are automatically qualified as hosts, must now rebuild their confidence against Egypt. They will finish their campaign against Tunisia.

By Prudence Ahanogbe