Rabat – Morocco’s Under-17 national football team punched their ticket to the quarterfinals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a thrilling 2-1 victory over rivals Egypt on Tuesday.
Beyond advancing to the next stage of the continental tournament, this crucial win also guarantees the young Atlas Cubs a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar.
The Moroccan side showcased a brilliant tactical execution and clinical finishing right from Mohamed Amine Moustach who opened the scoring in the 18th minute giving Morocco an early lead. Just before halftime, in the second minute of stoppage time, Imrane Talai scored a second goal to make it 2-0.
Egypt reacted quickly after the break, with Ziad Saudi scoring in the 49th minute to bring the score to 2-1. Egypt kept pressing for the rest of the second half, but the Moroccan defense stayed solid to protect their lead and win the match.
Morocco finished at the top of the group with 7 points and successfully qualified for both the quarterfinals and the 2026 World Cup. Egypt finished in second place with 4 points and also advanced. Ethiopia finished third with 4 points but was eliminated due to goal difference, while Tunisia finished last with just 1 point.
This performance in the group stage, gave Morocco entrance in the knockout rounds with high confidence, which now focused on competing for the continental title while preparing for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
