Morocco secure CAN U20 qualification after beating hosts Egypt

Morocco have booked their place at next year’s CAN U20 in Ghana after defeating hosts Egypt 2-0 in the Union nord-africaine de football (UNAF) qualifying tournament.

The result at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia on Saturday secured top spot for Morocco, who have qualified with one match still to play. They will face Libya on 6 October in their final qualifying fixture.

Morocco began the tournament with a goalless draw against Tunisia before recording a 3-1 victory over Algeria. Their success against Egypt came through two first-half goals scored within an eight-minute spell.

Adam Baallal, who plays for Saint-Etienne, opened the scoring in the 25th minute. He met a free-kick delivered from the left by Safouane Benzahra of Monaco and headed the ball beyond the Egyptian goalkeeper.

Morocco doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Sami Bouhoudane finished a swift counter-attack. Released by a long pass, the Cambuur forward beat his marker on the right before applying the finish.

Benzahra was again central to the move, having also supplied the set-piece for the opening goal.

Bouhoudane had scored in Morocco’s derby victory over Algeria last Wednesday. His goal against Egypt took his tally to two in the north African qualifiers and made him the Lionceaux de l’Atlas’ leading scorer in the tournament.

Morocco’s victory means they cannot be overtaken at the top of the standings and have confirmed their qualification for the CAN U20 before their final match against Libya.