Morocco U20 face Egypt in decisive UNAF encounter with Africa Cup place in sight

Morocco U20 take on Egypt on Saturday, 3 October, in a top-of-the-table clash at the UNAF tournament, with qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations at stake.

The Lion Cubs of the Atlas could secure their place at the finals in Ghana with victory in Ismailia, before their final match against Libya on Tuesday, 6 October.

Egypt lead the standings with six points from two matches, while Morocco are second on four points. Algeria also have four points but have played three games. Tunisia have two points and Libya have none.

The match will be played at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 in Morocco, 19:00 in France and 20:00 in Egypt.

It will be streamed on the UNAF YouTube account. The match will also be shown free-to-air by Arryadia in Morocco and ON Sport in Egypt.

Morocco aim to build on Algeria win

Morocco began the tournament with a goalless draw against Tunisia after receiving a bye in the opening round. Ludovic Batelli’s side then produced a convincing performance to beat Algeria 3-1.

Sami Bouhoudane, Mohamed Moncef and Ilyas El Haddaoui scored the goals that secured Morocco’s first victory of the competition and moved them into second place.

The meeting with Egypt is therefore more than a match between two of North Africa’s leading football nations. The result could determine whether Morocco qualify before the final round of fixtures.

A win would officially send Morocco to the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, regardless of the outcome against Libya. A draw would leave the Lion Cubs in a strong position, while defeat would mean qualification could not be decided until the final matchday.

The top two nations in the mini-league will qualify for the tournament in Ghana. Egypt currently occupy the leading position after winning both of their matches, while Morocco remain within reach of the summit.

The final fixture against Libya is scheduled for Tuesday, 6 October, but Morocco could avoid having to wait for that game if they overcome the Pharaons on Saturday.