Algeria set up Tunisia final after Morocco are edged out in Mediterranean Games drama

Algeria reached the football final of the 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Morocco 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Iacovone Stadium in Taranto, Italy, on Friday.

The result sends Algeria through to a final against Tunisia, who beat hosts Italy 3-1 in the other semi-final. Morocco will now face Italy in the bronze-medal match.

Algeria took the lead in the 24th minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake. A Moroccan clearance from a left-sided cut-back fell to Ben Ahmed Kohili of MC Alger, who struck a low shot into the bottom-right corner beyond Saad Antra of Raja Casablanca.

The opening goal gave Algeria control of the contest, but the match soon became increasingly open. The Algerians had two opportunities to extend their advantage, in the 39th and 49th minutes, but could not convert either chance.

Morocco came close to an equaliser shortly before half-time when they struck the crossbar in the second minute of added time. Their pressure eventually brought a reward after the interval.

The equalising goal arrived in the 51st minute following a high ball into the area. Mohammed El Koubi of Paradou failed to claim it, and in the process injured his Algeria team-mate Daniel Ilies Mehdid, who plays for MC Alger. The ball continued into the net as Morocco drew level through Khalid Kasbi of Union Touarga.

Neither side could find a winning goal during the remainder of normal time, sending the semi-final directly to a penalty shootout.

Morocco initially appeared to have the advantage in the shootout, but Algeria turned the contest around after El Koubi produced two successive saves. The Paradou goalkeeper recovered impressively from his earlier mistake and became the decisive figure in the outcome.

Mohamed Faiz Belgourai of CS Constantine then held his nerve with the final kick, sending Algeria into the Mediterranean Games final.

The victory completes a dramatic recovery for Algeria, who had led for much of the match before Morocco levelled in the second half. Their route to the gold-medal match was ultimately secured from the penalty spot, with El Koubi’s saves and Belgourai’s final effort proving crucial.

Algeria will now meet Tunisia for the title, while Morocco’s remaining objective will be to claim bronze against Italy. The hosts were beaten by Tunisia in the other last-four tie, leaving them with a chance to finish on the podium in the third-place play-off.