U23 AFCON Qualifiers: Eswatini Stuns Algeria 2–1 Ahead of Algiers Showdown
Algeria's U23 national team fell 2–1 away to Eswatini last night in the first leg of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers' second preliminary round, setting up a must-win return leg next Monday at the 5-Juillet Stadium.
After taking a first-half lead, the young Greens collapsed following the interval, leaving themselves with no margin for error on home soil to keep their continental and Olympic ambitions alive.
Algeria’s under-23 national team stumbled in their opening fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Playing away in Eswatini last night in the first leg of the second preliminary round, Rafik Saïfi’s squad suffered a 2–1 defeat.
The Algerians had initially controlled proceedings, heading into the halftime break ahead thanks to a goal from defender Gaëtan Bekhouche. However, the hosts turned the tide in the second half, netting twice to secure the comeback victory.
Goalkeeper Kylian Belazzoug and his teammates must now respond in the return leg, scheduled for next Monday at the 5-Juillet Olympic Stadium in Algiers. A win is mandatory to advance to the final preliminary round set for next March.
The 2027 U23 AFCON finals will take place in Egypt and will also serve as the qualification tournament for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Wissem Chergui
