Morocco Intensifies AFCON U17 Preparations as Rivals Get Ready for Group-Stage Tests

Rabat – The Morocco U17 team has entered the final days of preparation before the start of the 2026 U17 AFCON, with the tournament set to kick off in Morocco on May 13.

The Atlas Cubs continued their work this week at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, where the squad held two training sessions on Wednesday under coach Tiago Lima.

The focus has been on physical preparation and technical work to try to reach full readiness before opening the tournament against Tunisia on May 13 at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

There is already a lot of attention around this Moroccan generation. Players like Ibrahim Rabbaj and Ilian Hadidi are among the young names expected to stand out during the competition because scouts and recruiters will closely follow the tournament.

Morocco’s AFCON U17 group rivals

Even with home advantage, Morocco’s group is not that simple.

After Tunisia, the Atlas Cubs will also face Egypt and Ethiopia in Group A.

The North African derbies against Tunisia and Egypt will be especially intense, with both teams arriving determined to challenge Morocco on its own soil.

Tunisia are entering a new phase under coach Abderrazak Hedhider, who recently took charge of the team after previous experience with Qatar’s youth teams and Aspire Academy.

The Tunisians have spent the last weeks focusing on preparation matches, including friendlies against strong opposition like Senegal, as they work on building chemistry before the competition begins.

Egypt is bringing a squad that has domestic talent and players based in Europe. Among the big names are Amir Abou Elezz from Monza and Amir Hassan from Utrecht.

Under coach Hussein Abdel-Latif, Egypt has also played several warm-up matches, including a 2-2 draw against Japan and a narrow defeat to Zamalek’s U21 side.

Ethiopia may arrive with less media attention, but they have quietly continued their own preparations and recently won a friendly match 2-0 against Halaba City.

This Moroccan group of players is already seen as one of the country’s most promising youth generations.

But first comes the immediate challenge: handling the pressure, delivering performances at home, and competing for the continental title.

Morocco’s group-stage schedule is already confirmed: