High-stakes friendly caps Algeria U-17 training camp

Algeria’s under-17 national team will complete their latest training camp on Tuesday with a friendly against MC Alger’s under-20 side, as preparations intensify for the upcoming North African Football Union (UNAF) tournament in Libya.

The match, scheduled for the Mouloud Zerrouki Stadium in Eucalyptus, brings to an end a week-long camp held at the National Technical Centre in Sidi Moussa.

The tournament in Benghazi, set to run from 22 March to 5 April 2026, will serve as a qualifier for the next Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Head coach Amine Ghimouz has selected a 22-man squad composed entirely of players competing domestically.

The camp forms part of a broader build-up strategy, with the technical staff aiming to assess player readiness and refine tactical systems ahead of the regional competition.

Unlike the previous training camp from 1 to 7 February, during which Algeria recorded two 2-0 victories over Mauritania, this gathering has focused on fixtures against local opposition.

The Young Greens drew 2-2 with ESM Koléa’s under-20 team on Saturday at the Sidi Moussa training centre.

Tuesday’s encounter against MC Alger’s under-20 side will provide a final opportunity for evaluation before attention shifts fully to competitive action.

Coaches are expected to use the match to measure individual performances, strengthen team cohesion and test various tactical approaches.

With three of the five participating nations earning qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, the stakes are considerable.

Algeria’s schedule in the UNAF tournament begins on matchday one, when Libya face Algeria while Morocco meet Tunisia and Egypt are exempt.

On matchday two, Algeria take on Morocco, as Tunisia face Egypt. The third round sees Egypt play Morocco while Libya meet Tunisia, with Algeria exempt.

Matchday four pairs Algeria against Tunisia, while Libya face Egypt. In the final round, Algeria meet Egypt and Morocco play Libya, with Tunisia exempt.

With the countdown now under three weeks, Algeria’s young squad continue to sharpen their preparations for a decisive regional campaign.