Morocco and Algeria U17s Send Strong Message of Unity With Heartwarming Gesture

• Morocco and Algeria U17 teams have urged their countries to end their frosty relations
• The youngsters sent a strong message during their 2023 AFCON U17 quarter-final game
• The north Africans defeated their opposition to reach the semi-finals of the tournament

The U17 teams of Morocco and Algeria sent a message of peace and unity to their leaders, after coming together for a photograph before their quarter-final clash at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Tensions between the two nations have been high in recent times, with Morocco failing to show up at the CHAN tournament earlier this year due to the countries' poor political relationship.

However, with sport being a unifying venture, the young footballers are hoping the neighbouring north African countries will be inspired to iron out their differences.

In a video shared on social media, the U17 captain of Morocco is seen urging his teammates to join the Algerian team for a group photo.

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The heartwarming gesture has received commendations from near and far as the continent seeks togetherness.

Meanwhile, Morocco brushed aside Algeria to progress to the semi-final of the 2023 U17 AFCON, thereby securing one of the tickets to the U17 FIFA World Cup.

Zakaria Ouzane scored a brace to add to Adam Chakir's strike, as the young Atlas Lions advanced to the next stage with seeming ease.

Somalia make AFCON U17 history

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Somalia secured their first-ever point at the U17 AFCON in Algeria, after drawing with the Republic of the Congo previously.

The east African nation, who were making a first appearance at the youth competition, also scored their first-ever goal at the tournament in the same game.

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Dini Dahir made history after scoring in the first half as Somalia took the lead in the 32nd minute.

Super Eaglets exit AFCON U17

In related news, the Golden Eaglets of Nigerian suffered a 2-1 defeat against Burkina Faso in the quarter-final of the 2023 U17 AFCON in Algeria earlier this week.

Going into the encounter, Nduka Ubade and his wards were tipped to reach the semi-finals but their opponents were determined to see their names in gold.

The Golden Eaglets started the match impressively in search of an early goal but could only blame themselves after missing at least two crucial scoring chances.