Abid leads Algeria’s U-17 AFCON charge and sets sights on top scorer prize
Yacine Abid has emerged as one of the standout players at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after inspiring Algeria to their first win of the tournament.
The young forward scored twice against South Africa on Sunday, 17 May, to move temporarily to the top of the scoring chart and revive Algeria’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
His performance also moved the young Desert Foxes closer to the possibility of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the competition in Morocco offering places at the global tournament.
Abid’s two goals were the product of movement, confidence and composure in front of goal, as he repeatedly troubled the South African defence with his pace and positioning.
The first goal showed his ability to exploit space inside the penalty area, while the second underlined his calmness when presented with a scoring chance.
For Algeria, the victory was more than just three points. It gave the team fresh belief after a difficult start and placed them firmly back in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Speaking to CAFOnline.com after the match, Abid said his display was built on faith, joy and confidence rather than fear.
“The performance I gave in our match against South Africa is a blessing from God, and we always play to honour the Algerian flag,” he said.
“I always participate in the match with joy and an indescribable feeling, and I do not play matches while I am afraid.”
The striker also described the feeling of helping Algeria to their first win of the tournament as special.
“It is an indescribable feeling, and I hope to continue contributing to the national team,” he said.
Abid’s confidence has quickly made him one of the most talked-about young players in the competition.
He has not hidden his ambition, saying he wants to become one of the best players in the world and naming Cristiano Ronaldo as his football idol.
“God willing, I will become a great player in the future,” Abid said. “My role model as a player is Cristiano Ronaldo, and God willing, I will be better than him.”
The teenager is also targeting an individual honour in Morocco after his brace put him in early contention for the tournament’s top scorer award.
“Yes, winning the top scorer title of the competition is very important to me, and I consider this a personal goal,” he said.
While Algeria’s main priority remains qualification from the group and a place at the World Cup, Abid’s form has given the team a major attacking weapon.
His rise has also made him one of the early discoveries of the tournament, with his finishing, personality and ambition marking him out as a player to watch.
For now, the challenge for Abid will be to maintain his level as Algeria continue their push for the quarter-finals and the wider dream of reaching the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
