The Egyptian U-17 Boys National Team emerged victorious in the Union of North African Football (UNAF) championship, securing the coveted title after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Algeria. The weeklong tournament, held in Algiers from April 24th to April 30th, showcased the talent of youth footballers from across the region.
Egypt’s triumph came after an intense round-robin competition involving teams from Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and hosts Algeria. Finishing atop the standings, Egypt demonstrated their prowess on the field, with Algeria closely trailing in second place. Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya followed in third, fourth, and fifth places respectively.
In the decisive final match, Egypt needed only a point to claim victory. Mohamed Hamza Adbel Karim broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute, putting Egypt in the lead. However, Algeria fought back, with Ben Issa netting the equalizer, ensuring a share of the spoils but ultimately securing the championship for Egypt.
The tournament, a part of the FIFA Forward Programme, received accolades for its role in nurturing young talent. UNAF President Gamal Allam graced the event with his presence, emphasizing the importance of such competitions in fostering the growth of football in Africa.
Mahmoud El Hammami, Executive Director of the North African Football Federation, commended the success of the tournament, highlighting its significance in youth development. “This competition has provided a valuable platform for talent development,” stated El Hammami in his closing remarks.
Walid Sadi, President of the Algerian Football Federation, expressed gratitude for hosting the event and underscored its role in shaping future African football stars. “Algeria is honored to have hosted such a successful competition,” remarked Sadi, acknowledging the contributions of key stakeholders in making the tournament a resounding success.
Additionally, individual awards were presented to standout performers. Hamza Mohamed Abdel Karim was named the Best Player of the tournament, while Mohamed El Kabi received recognition as the Best Goalkeeper. The Morocco national team was lauded with the Sportsmanship Award, reflecting the spirit of fair play and camaraderie exhibited throughout the competition.
