Morocco and Algeria played to a 1-1 draw in their final fixture of the UNAF U17 tournament. The match, held in Morocco, saw Abderrahmane Achouri open the scoring for Algeria in the 5th minute, while Morocco equalized through Bial Soukrat in the 59th minute.
The result secured second place for Morocco in the tournament standings with eight points, earned through two wins and two draws.
Egypt, meanwhile, claimed the top spot with nine points after an emphatic 6-1 victory over Libya in their final match.
With this triumph, Egypt also booked their place in the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Tight Contest Between Rivals
The Morocco-Algeria clash unfolded as a hard-fought encounter, with both teams displaying strong defensive and attacking efforts.
Algeria struck early through Achouri, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the hosts.
Morocco, undeterred, responded with a more aggressive approach in the second half, culminating in Soukrat’s equalizer just before the hour mark.
Despite several opportunities for both sides, the match ended with neither team able to secure the decisive goal.
Egypt Clinches Tournament Title
Egypt’s dominant performance against Libya sealed their place at the top of the UNAF U17 standings.
Their 6-1 rout showcased their attacking prowess, as they left no room for doubt about their credentials heading into the continental championship.
Morocco’s second-place finish, while commendable, fell just short of securing them the automatic qualification spot.
Algeria, despite their spirited efforts, ended their campaign outside the top positions.
A Stage for Promising Talent
The UNAF U17 tournament, hosted in Morocco from November 11 to 23, provided an excellent platform for emerging talent from North Africa.
Matches were held at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca and the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, drawing significant local interest.
For Morocco, the event offered valuable experience and exposure to their young players, as they now look to build on their performances for future competitions.
Algeria, too, will take positives from their campaign, despite missing out on a higher finish.
As Egypt prepares for the U17 AFCON, their commanding display in this tournament underscores their potential to be a formidable force in the continental competition.
Meanwhile, Morocco and Algeria will reflect on their campaigns as they seek further opportunities to showcase their growing talent.
