Morocco U-17: Libya’s withdrawal reshapes UNAF qualifier, Algeria up first

Morocco’s under-17 side will open the North African qualifying tournament for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations against Algeria on Tuesday, November 10, after Libya withdrew from the competition. The Union of North African Football (UNAF) announced the change on Tuesday.

In a statement published on its official page, UNAF said it had received a letter from the Libyan Football Federation informing it that its under-17 team would be unable to take part. The field is now reduced to four teams: Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt.

The union decided to change the competition format after the withdrawal. The tournament, hosted by Tunisia in Sousse and Monastir, had been scheduled to run from November 10 to 22 over five rounds. It will now be played over three matchdays, on November 10, 13 and 16.

The two teams finishing first and second will qualify for the final tournament of the Africa Cup of Nations, set for 2027.

Under the revised programme, the opening matchday at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse pits Algeria against Morocco at 14:00, followed by Tunisia against Egypt at 17:00.

The Moroccan youngsters return to the same venue on Friday, November 13, to face Egypt at 14:00, before Tunisia meet Algeria at 17:00.

The final round is set for Monday, November 16, with both matches kicking off at 14:00: Tunisia against Morocco in Sousse, and Algeria against Egypt at the Mustapha Ben Jannet Stadium in Monastir.

Egypt are fielding a squad of players born in 2010, coached by Abdelstar Sabri.