Tunisia eliminates Algeria in dramatic 96th-minute victory as Morocco qualifies for U20 AFCON

Tunisia secured a last-gasp victory over Algeria on Saturday in the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, effectively eliminating the Fennecs from the tournament. The match, held at the Suez Stadium in Egypt, ended 2-1 in favour of the Carthage Eagles, with a dramatic winner in the dying seconds of stoppage time.

Algeria, already under pressure following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Morocco earlier in the week, had an early chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty.

However, captain Anis Fetahine’s attempt was saved by Tunisian goalkeeper Rayan Besbes, denying the Fennecs the advantage.

It was a missed opportunity that would come to haunt them later.

Tunisia took the lead in the 77th minute, albeit in controversial fashion.

Abdelhamid Naim scored an own goal, inadvertently deflecting a cross from Samer into his own net.

Penalty tiré par Fatahine Anis et arrêté par le gardien tunisien ☹️ !#Algérie 🇩🇿 https://t.co/HOkCAwrLbS pic.twitter.com/Md2dHTslWu

— FARID BOUSSALEM (@faridmca1921) November 23, 2024

Algeria quickly responded with an equalizer just four minutes later, as Islam Abbes scored from a Kohili assist in the 81st minute.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Tunisia snatched victory in the 96th minute.

Amanallah Mehrezi delivered the decisive blow, scoring from a corner kick to secure the win and send Algeria packing.

This defeat marked Algeria’s second consecutive loss at the hands of North African rivals, after they had been caught by Morocco in the final minutes of their previous match.

The result sealed their elimination from the competition, meaning Algeria’s U20s will miss out on a spot at the upcoming U20 AFCON, joining their U17 counterparts, who were also eliminated earlier.

Les Tunisiens nous climatisent à la 90+ 5 ! Défaite et élimination de la sélection algérienne U20 de la cours ! 😔💔🇩🇿#Algérie 🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/uaMCFwQhGh

— FARID BOUSSALEM (@faridmca1921) November 23, 2024

The outcome of the match was crucial for Morocco, who, despite not playing, found themselves officially qualified for the tournament.

Morocco’s qualification was guaranteed as Tunisia’s win ensured they would finish ahead of either Egypt or Tunisia, who face each other in the final round.

Tunisia, now in a strong position, will face Egypt in their final match on Tuesday, with a draw enough to secure their own place in the U20 AFCON.

With one match left for all teams, the standings are as follows:

• Morocco: 7 points (1 match remaining)
• Tunisia: 6 points (1 match remaining)
• Egypt: 4 points (1 match remaining)
• Algeria: 2 points (1 match remaining)
• Libya: 0 points (2 matches remaining)

The top two teams will advance to the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with Tunisia and Morocco currently in control of their fates.

Le 11 titulaire de la sélection algérienne U20 pour affronter son homologue tunisienne, l’absence de Zeghadi va énormément impacter la sérénité de notre milieu de terrain ! Naim toujours indeboulonnale 🤡.
Fiha kheir inch’Allah 🤲 🇩🇿🔥 pic.twitter.com/fS2nhQt7TX

— FARID BOUSSALEM (@faridmca1921) November 23, 2024