Saint-Étienne set for unusual Morocco-Algeria meeting

Saint-Étienne could see two of its young players meet on opposite sides when Morocco face Algeria at the next UNAF U20 tournament. Adam Baallal and Oussama Benkou have both been called up, giving the club’s academy an unusual international storyline beyond their shared work at L’Étrat.

The two national teams are scheduled to play on 30 September in the competition, which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Baallal has been selected by Morocco, while Benkou will represent Algeria. Their inclusion creates the possibility of a direct meeting shortly after they leave the Saint-Étienne environment.

The players are at different stages with the French club. Baallal has signed professionally and has already been involved around the first-team group. Benkou is continuing his development with the reserve side. Their separate call-ups nevertheless show that both are now being monitored by their respective national teams.

Neither player is certain to start the Morocco-Algeria fixture, but their presence in the squads gives the match a particular connection to Saint-Étienne. The encounter will also offer the club a chance to follow two academy players in an international competition with qualification at stake.