Tunisia overturned an early deficit to beat Algeria 4-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse on Friday, leaving both sides needing victory in the final round of the Union of North African Football (UNAF) tournament to secure qualification for next year’s CAN U17 in Morocco.
Algeria, coached by Karim Ziani, made the stronger start and took the lead in the 22nd minute. Paradou forward Yacine Abed, who has been the subject of speculation over a possible naturalisation by Qatar, struck a powerful effort under the crossbar.
The goal completed an attack initiated by Lyon attacking player Mohamed Yacin Meguenni, giving Algeria an advantage after their opening-day victory over Morocco.
That 1-0 success had put the Algerians in a strong position, and another win against Tunisia would have guaranteed their place at the finals. However, their lead disappeared before half-time when Tunisia equalised in the 36th minute.
The Eagles of Carthage then completed their comeback after the interval. They moved in front in the 64th minute, extended their advantage nine minutes later and added a fourth goal from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.
The result leaves Algeria second on goal difference behind Tunisia, who inflicted their first defeat of the tournament. Algeria must now beat Egypt on Monday, in the third and final round of matches, to confirm qualification without relying on other results.
Tunisia revived their campaign after losing their opening fixture 2-1 to Egypt. Like Algeria, they will qualify for the CAN U17 with a win on Monday, regardless of the outcome of the other match.
Tunisia’s final game will be against Morocco, who are automatically qualified as the host nation.
