Egypt Double Their Lead Against Algeria
Egypt’s U20 team have doubled their advantage against Algeria, with Anas Rashdy scoring the second goal in the 84th minute at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia during the final round of the North African qualifiers for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Egypt entered the decisive match with six points, while Algeria had four, meaning a victory or draw would be enough for the Young Pharaohs to secure qualification.
🔥 Mahmoud Salah Gives Egypt the Lead
Egypt opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Mahmoud Salah, who converted a cross from inside the penalty area with a well-placed header.
The opening goal gave Egypt greater confidence as the Young Pharaohs looked to protect their advantage and avoid allowing Algeria back into the match.
The North African qualifiers are being hosted in Ismailia from September 21 through October 6 and feature Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. The top two teams qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
⭐ Anas Rashdy Seals Egypt’s Advantage
Egypt then strengthened their position in the 84th minute, when Anas Rashdy produced a powerful finish toward the goalkeeper’s near corner to make it 2-0.
The late goal put Egypt firmly in control and left Algeria needing three goals to completely turn the match around.
For the Young Pharaohs, the goal also brought them much closer to completing their qualification mission in the final match of the North African campaign.
📢 Waleed Riyad Sent Off
The match also saw Egypt head coach Waleed Riyad receive a red card during the second half.
Despite the manager’s dismissal, Egypt’s players maintained their concentration and continued to protect their lead as they moved closer to securing one of the two qualification spots from the North African zone.
Riyad had started the match with Omar Abdelaziz in goal; Nour Ashraf, Eyad Medhat, Mohamed Awad and Mohannad El-Shamy in defense; Mohamed Samir, Younes El-Mallah and Mohamed Hamdy in midfield; and Omar El-Azab, Mohamed Haitham and Mahmoud Salah in attack.
🏆 Egypt Closing in on AFCON U20 Qualification
Egypt began the match in second place with six points, behind leaders Morocco. A draw would have been enough to secure the second qualification spot, while Algeria needed nothing less than a victory to keep their hopes alive.
With a 2-0 lead late in the match, Egypt moved within touching distance of officially booking their place at the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Can Egypt hold on to their advantage and officially seal qualification with a win over Algeria? 🇪🇬🏆
