Rabat – Morocco’s U17 team faces a huge test tonight against Senegal in the semifinals of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
It’s a match many fans were hoping to see. Morocco is the host and defending champion, and Senegal once again looks like one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
There is also a revenge story behind this game. Senegal beat Morocco 2-1 in the final of the 2023 U17 AFCON, denying the Atlas Cubs the title. Now Morocco has the chance to respond in front of its own fans in Rabat.
The young Atlas Lions come into the match in very good form. Isam Charaï’s team is still unbeaten in the competition and reached the semifinals after beating Cameroon 1-0 in the quarterfinals thanks to a goal from Mohamed Habib Zinbi.
Senegal also had to fight hard to reach the last four. The team drew 1-1 against Mali before winning on penalties, despite playing with 10 men for part of the match.
Match Details
- Competition: U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Semifinal
- Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 Morocco time / 19:00 GMT
- Venue: Stade Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
How & Where to Watch
The match will be shown live on Arryadia TNT, beIN Sports, FIFA+, and the TOD streaming platform.
Morocco team news
Morocco has looked solid throughout the tournament. The team is well organized defensively and dangerous going forward.
Playing in Rabat could also give Morocco an extra boost, with a much bigger crowd expected compared to the matches played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.
Morocco Probable XI: El Maach, Tahri, Soudi, Zinbi, Bentaleb, El Aoud, Ibn Salah, Hadidi, Ellaky, Rabage, El Boujjoufi.
Senegal team news
Senegal showed great character against Mali in the quarterfinals. Even after going down to 10 players, the team stayed compact defensively and managed to hold on before winning the penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Assane Sarr was one of the heroes of that victory, while Ibrahim Diouf remains one of Senegal’s main attacking threats.
Senegal will probably rely on its physical strength and quick counterattacks against Morocco.
Senegal Predicted XI: Assane Sarr, Faye, Diallo, Ba, Camara, Gueye, Sy, Fall, Ibrahim Diouf, Kane, Ndiaye.
This looks like a very balanced semifinal between two of the best teams in the tournament. Morocco may have the home advantage, but Senegal has already shown how difficult it can be to break down.
Score prediction: Morocco 1-1 Senegal
