Rabat – Morocco’s U20 national team secured an important 3-1 win over Algeria today in the North African Football Union (UNAF) qualifiers for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
After a goalless first half at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Morocco took control of the match shortly after the break.
Sami Bouhoudane opened the scoring in the 53rd minute before Mohamed Mounssef doubled the advantage just two minutes later.
Ilyass Hiddaoui added Morocco’s third goal in the 64th minute, helping Ludovic Batelli’s side secure all three points despite Algeria also finding the net.
The victory was confirmed by Morocco’s official national team account shortly after the final whistle.
Morocco strengthen qualification bid
Wednesday’s result gives Morocco four points from their opening two matches of the tournament.
The Atlas Cubs began their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Tunisia on September 27 after receiving a bye in the opening round.
Algeria entered the meeting with four points after drawing 1-1 with Tunisia and beating Libya 3-1. The defeat leaves the Algerians on four points from three matches.
The UNAF tournament brings together Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya and is being played in Egypt from September 24 to October 6.
The competition follows a single round-robin format, with each team playing four matches. The top two sides will qualify for the 2027 U20 AFCON finals in Ghana.
Morocco will next face hosts Egypt on October 3 at the Suez Canal Stadium before concluding their qualifying campaign against Libya on October 6 at Ismailia Stadium.
The win over Algeria therefore puts Batelli’s team in a stronger position in the qualification race with two matches still to play.
