Egypt and Algeria face decisive U20 AFCON qualifier

Egypt and Algeria will meet in a decisive Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday as both sides compete for a place in the final phase alongside group leaders Morocco.

The final round of matches in the qualifying tournament will determine which two teams finish in the top two positions and secure qualification for the next stage of the U20 AFCON qualification process.

Egypt, currently second in the standings with six points from three matches, will face Algeria, who have collected four points from their three games.

The match between the two sides will kick off at 14:00.

Morocco currently occupy first place with seven points from three matches and will face Libya in the other fixture of the final round.

The Atlas Lions have put themselves in a strong position at the top of the group and need to avoid defeat against Libya to maintain their position among the leading teams.

Libya have collected one point from their three matches and sit at the bottom of the standings. Their meeting with Morocco will also kick off at 14:00.

Tunisia are third-bottom with three points after four matches and have already completed their fixtures.

With the top two places the only qualification positions available, Egypt and Algeria’s meeting takes on added importance.

Egypt begin the final day two points ahead of Algeria and know that a positive result would strengthen their chances of finishing in the top two.

Algeria, meanwhile, must overcome the deficit separating them from Egypt if they are to move into one of the qualifying positions.

The standings leave Morocco in first place on seven points, followed by Egypt on six. Algeria are third on four points, while Tunisia have three and Libya have one.

The outcome of the two matches will determine which two teams progress to the final phase.

Morocco’s position gives them the advantage going into the final round, while Egypt and Algeria face a direct contest for one of the remaining qualification places.

Both matches will be played at the same time, ensuring the qualification battle is decided on the final day of the tournament.