Algeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Tunisia in the opening match of the UNAF U20 tournament in Suez, Egypt, on Thursday afternoon.
The competition serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 tournament, with both sides taking an early point from their first fixture.
Algeria, now coached by Hocine El Orfi following the departure of Brahim Hemdani, made the stronger start and took the lead after only nine minutes. Lens forward Mohamed Seddik rose to meet a cross from the right by Yanis Sofikitis and powered his header beyond the Tunisia goalkeeper.
The Algerians came close to extending their advantage before Tunisia levelled in the 30th minute. A free-kick delivery led to Mohamed Yassine Chaabani’s header, which was inadvertently diverted into his own goal by Adam Marchal.
Tunisia began the second half with greater attacking intent and created several opportunities, but could not find a way to complete the comeback. Algeria improved after making a number of substitutions and finished the match more strongly.
The decisive moment came when Slim Bouasker, goalkeeper for Tunisia’s Aiglons de Carthage, intervened to stop an Algerian counter-attack and ensure the points were shared.
Algeria and Tunisia moved temporarily to the top of the standings, ahead of the later meeting between hosts Egypt and Libya. Algeria will face Libya on Sunday, while Tunisia will play Morocco on the same day. Morocco were not involved in the opening round of matches.
The tournament features five teams in a single group. At the end of the competition, the top two sides will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-20, which will be hosted by Ghana next year.
The draw leaves both Algeria and Tunisia with an opportunity to take control of the group in their next matches, although their immediate opponents will enter the second round of fixtures from different starting points. Algeria will meet Libya, while Tunisia face Morocco after the latter’s opening-day absence.