Algeria face crucial Egypt clash as Morocco meet Libya in U17 AFCON qualifiers

Algeria will face Egypt while Morocco take on Libya in decisive North African qualifying matches for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, with both fixtures scheduled to be played simultaneously on Sunday.

The two matches, organised under the Union of North African Football (UNAF), will kick off at 4pm French time, corresponding to 3pm in Algeria and Morocco.

Both encounters will be broadcast live on the official UNAF YouTube channel, providing access for viewers across the region.

The Algeria-Egypt fixture carries significant importance in the race for qualification. Algeria currently sit third in the standings, ahead of Tunisia on goal difference, and are close to securing a return to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Their position, however, remains vulnerable.

To guarantee qualification, Algeria must avoid a heavy defeat. A loss by four goals or more would see Tunisia move ahead of them in the standings, denying them a place at the tournament. As a result, the outcome of this match will be decisive for their hopes.

By contrast, the meeting between Morocco and Libya holds no competitive stakes. Morocco have already secured qualification, both as hosts and by finishing top of the group. Libya, meanwhile, have been eliminated after suffering three defeats in as many matches.

Previous results in the qualifying campaign offer further context ahead of Sunday’s games. Algeria were beaten 2-1 by Egypt, with Charaf Eddine Cherfaoui scoring their only goal.

Morocco, on the other hand, recorded a 2-0 victory over Libya, with Ismail El Aoud opening the scoring before Ziyad Baha added a second.

With qualification on the line for Algeria and pride at stake for the remaining teams, the final round of fixtures is set to conclude the UNAF qualifying campaign.