Arab U20 Cup: Here is the quarter-final bracket

Six of the ten African nations participating in the 2020 Arab U20 Cup have advanced to the quarterfinals, setting up a series of competitive matchups that promise excitement for fans. The final group-stage matches on Monday will finalize the tournament bracket, but the African contingent has already established a strong presence in the knockout rounds.

Morocco leads the charge as the only country to achieve a perfect record in the group stage, securing nine points from three matches. Their impressive performance has earned them a quarterfinal clash against Libya, who finished second in Group D. Morocco’s consistent play, combining solid defense with sharp attacking transitions, makes them a formidable opponent for the Libyan side, and the matchup is expected to test both teams’ tactical acumen and resilience.

Senegal, with two wins and a draw, also dominated their group, demonstrating the strength of the Teranga Lions at this level. In the quarterfinals, Senegal will face Bahrain, who finished second to Morocco in Group B. The Lions of Teranga enter the match with confidence, having displayed a balanced combination of defensive discipline and offensive creativity throughout the group stage. Their encounter with Bahrain will be crucial in determining which team progresses to the semifinals and continues the pursuit of the tournament title.

A highly anticipated North African showdown is set for the quarterfinals as Algeria meets Tunisia. The Carthage Eagles, defending champions from the 2012 edition held in Jordan, will look to reclaim regional supremacy against a talented Algerian side. This matchup carries historical significance, as both nations have strong football traditions and fierce rivalries, promising an intense and tactical contest. Fans can expect a tightly contested game, with both sides aiming to assert dominance and secure a place in the semifinals.

The final quarterfinal pairing features Egypt against Iraq, offering another competitive fixture as the tournament progresses. Egypt has shown quality and depth in their performances, while Iraq will be determined to make an impact on the continental stage. This clash could hinge on strategic execution and individual brilliance, as both teams aim to advance to the later stages of the competition.

Of the ten African nations that entered the tournament, four have been eliminated during the group stage: Madagascar, Mauritania, Djibouti, and Sudan. Their exit underscores the high level of competition at the Arab U20 Cup and the challenge of progressing in a tightly contested field. Meanwhile, the advancing African teams will carry hopes of continuing the continent’s strong showing and competing for the tournament title.

The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for February 27th and 28th, marking the beginning of the knockout stage where every game will be decisive. With several African nations still in contention, the tournament promises thrilling encounters, showcasing emerging talent and providing a platform for young players to demonstrate their skills on an international stage. The African teams’ performances so far highlight the region’s growing strength in youth football and set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Arab U20 Cup.