It was competitive qualifying tournament in the UNAF region as four nations from North Africa battled it out for only one spot to join hosts Egypt at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations that will begin in February. The Egyptian city of Suez played host as Tunisia edged out Morocco by one point for first place in the group following Monday’s matches with Tunisia drawing Algeria 4-4 while Morocco fell to a 1-0 defeat against Libya. Tunisia wins a closely fought group with five points from their three games as Morocco and Libya finish with four points and Algeria with two points.
Tunisia appeared to finish the job when the young Carthage Eagles went up 4-1 against Algeria, apparently confirming Moroccan fears that the young Fennecs would let Tunisia defeat them. However an incredible comeback by Algeria saw them score three goals in the second half to surge back and earn a point in a 4-4 draw.
The opportunity was there for Morocco to jump past Tunisia and clinch their place but they met a determined Libyan team who also played for their pride on the day. Morocco failed to find a goal before Libya scored a late winner to earn three points with a 1-0 defeat of the young Atlas Lions, a result that was good enough for Tunisia to finish top of the group.
Highlights from both of Monday’s matches are below.
Scores
Tunisia 4-4 Algeria
Libya 1-0 Morocco
Highlights
Tunisia 4-4 Algeria
Libya 1-0 Morocco
