Algeria's U21 national team has reached the final of the football tournament at the 2026 Tarento Mediterranean Games, beating Morocco on penalties (4-3) after a 1-1 draw at the end of normal time.
Algeria had taken the lead in the 24th minute through Ben Ahmed Kohili. Morocco equalized early in the second half, in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up between Algerian goalkeeper Mohammed El Koubi and one of his defenders.
With no further goals in stoppage time, the two sides were separated by a penalty shootout, which Algeria won 4-3 to book their place in the final.
In the final, Algeria will face Tunisia, who thrashed host nation Italy 3-1 in the other semi-final.
The run confirms the strength of North African U21 sides on the Mediterranean stage, in a tournament that traditionally showcases young talent ahead of their first senior call-ups.
For African football, an all-Maghreb final at the Mediterranean Games is a strong symbol, just a few years out from major deadlines for these rising generations.
