Rabat – Following a frustrating loss that turned the events on the continental stage, Morocco’s U17 national team is stepping back onto the pitch with everything proven, with only a tough third-placed match against their Egyptian counterparts separating them from a less heart-breaking end of this continental tournament.
As they take on Egypt’s Pharaohs Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday, June 1, at 8:00 PM local time, the Atlas Cubs are seeking third place and trying to manage the disappointment of yesterday’s frustrating elimination against Senegal in the semi-finals.
The national team will now enter into the recovery mode, as technical staff seeks to overcome the psychological shock that follows the loss of the qualification.
Both teams arrive into this consolidation match after coming agonizingly close to the final. Egypt saw their championship dreams dashed by Tanzania after a tense penalty shootout that ended 4-3 in favor of the East Africans.
Meanwhile, host nation Morocco suffered a similarly painful blow, falling to defending champions Senegal in a marathon 7-6 penalty shootout session.
Morocco and Egypt already went toe-to-toe during the group stage, where the Atlas Cubs secured a brilliant 2-1 victory over the Pharaohs thanks to goals from Mohamed Amine Moustach and Imrane Talai.
Having already locked in their primary objective, a spot in the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November, this final continental showdown is strictly about pride, character, and regional bragging rights.
