Morocco’s U20 national team picked up an important victory in their race to qualify for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Algeria 3–1 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the Atlas Cubs produced a decisive second-half performance, scoring three times in just over 10 minutes to take control of the contest and secure their first win of the UNAF qualifying tournament.
A Goalless First Half
The two North African sides went into the break without finding the breakthrough.
Morocco remained patient during the opening period before increasing the intensity after the restart, with the breakthrough eventually arriving eight minutes into the second half.
Three Goals Change the Game
Sami Bouhoudane opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, giving the Atlas Cubs the advantage they had been looking for.
Just two minutes later, Mohamed Mounssef doubled the lead and put Morocco firmly in control.
The momentum continued, with Ilyas Hidaoui adding a third goal in the 64th minute to complete a remarkable spell for Ludovic Batelli’s side.
Algeria managed to find a response, but the three-goal burst had already given Morocco a decisive advantage.
A Valuable Win in the Qualification Race
The result gives Morocco four points from their opening two matches of the UNAF tournament.
The Atlas Cubs began their campaign with a 0–0 draw against Tunisia on September 27, having received a bye in the opening round.
Algeria had also collected four points before the match, drawing 1–1 with Tunisia before defeating Libya 3–1. The defeat leaves them with four points from three games.
Two Matches Still to Play
The UNAF qualifying tournament features Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, with the competition taking place in Egypt from September 24 to October 6.
Each team plays four matches in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams qualifying for the 2027 U20 AFCON finals in Ghana.
The victory over Algeria therefore gives Morocco valuable momentum heading into the final stages of the tournament.
Egypt Next for the Atlas Cubs
The next challenge will come against hosts Egypt on October 3 at the Suez Canal Stadium.
The campaign will then conclude against Libya on October 6 at Ismailia Stadium.
With four points already secured, Batelli’s team now have two more opportunities to strengthen their position and push for a place at the continental finals.
The win over Algeria represents an important step, but the qualification race remains open with two decisive matches still ahead.