Algeria reaches Mediterranean Games football final after beating Morocco

The Algerian U21 national football team has advanced to the final of the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, after defeating Morocco in a dramatic semifinal. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Ben Ahmed Kohili scoring for Algeria in the 24th minute and Khalid Kasbi equalizing for Morocco in the 51st minute.

The contest was decided by a penalty shootout, which Algeria won 4-3. Algerian goalkeeper Mohammed El Koubi emerged as the hero of the session by making two consecutive saves, despite an earlier error that contributed to Morocco's equalizer. Mohamed Faiz Belgourai scored the decisive final penalty to secure the victory.

Algeria will face Tunisia in the gold medal match. Tunisia secured their place in the final after defeating Italy 3-1. Morocco will compete in the bronze medal match against Italy.