Egypt Under-20s beat Tunisia to move closer to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt’s Under-20s claimed a 2-1 victory over Tunisia in the North African qualifiers to record their second win and move top of the standings.

The match was played in Ismailia in the third round of the competition, which determines qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Egypt took control in the first half, scoring twice before the interval.

Mohannad El-Shamy opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute, before Mohamed Hamad doubled the lead 16 minutes later.

Hamad finished after Omar El-Azab’s cross rebounded off the Tunisia goalkeeper and fell kindly for the Egypt forward to score.

Egypt led 2-0 at half-time, but Tunisia reduced the deficit in the 66th minute when Anis El-Saiedi found the net.

The hosts came close to restoring their two-goal advantage when El-Azab struck the crossbar in the 72nd minute.

Tunisia then had an opportunity to level in the 85th minute, but Egypt survived the late pressure to secure all three points.

The result leaves Egypt on six points from two matches at the top of the table. Morocco are second with four points from two games, ahead of Algeria, who have the same number of points but have played three matches.

Tunisia remain on two points from three games, while Libya are bottom without a point after two matches.

The tournament features Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Libya, with the top two teams qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Egypt will face Morocco in their next match, while Tunisia will play Libya.

A victory against Morocco would guarantee Egypt’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.