Morocco finished top of Group A at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 after beating Egypt 2-1 on a dramatic final day that also saw Ethiopia eliminate Tunisia with a stoppage-time victory on Tuesday night.

The hosts secured first place in the group and a quarter-final spot with a strong first-half display against Egypt, who still progressed to the last eight despite the defeat.

Both Morocco and Egypt also confirmed their places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while Ethiopia must now go through the play-off route after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification.

Tunisia, beaten 1-0 by Ethiopia in Salé, were knocked out of the competition after failing to win any of their group matches.

Morocco made their intentions clear early in their North African meeting with Egypt, taking the lead through Mohamed Amine Moustache in the 18th minute.

The Atlas Cubs then doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time whenImrane Talai struck in the 45+2 minute to give Morocco control of the contest.

Egypt responded shortly after the restart, with Mohamed El Sayed pulling a goal back in the 49th minute.

But Morocco held firm for the remainder of the match to protect their lead and finish the group stage unbeaten at the top of the standings.

Egypt’s defeat did not stop them from advancing, as their earlier results were enough to secure second place ahead of Ethiopia on goal difference.

In the other Group A fixture, Ethiopia produced one of the most dramatic moments of the day when Binyam Abrah scored in the 90+3 minute to seal a 1-0 win over Tunisia.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw before Misbah’s late intervention gave Ethiopia a famous victory and kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup alive.

The result moved Ethiopia level with Egypt on four points, but Egypt finished second because of their better goal difference.

Ethiopia therefore ended the group in third place and will now enter the play-offs, where they will have another chance to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

For Tunisia, the late goal brought a painful end to a disappointing campaign, leaving them bottom of the group and out of the tournament.

The final Group A standings confirmed Morocco as group winners, Egypt as runners-up, Ethiopia in third place and Tunisia eliminated.

Results

Morocco 2-1 Egypt
Scorers: Amine Mohamed Moustache 18’, Imrane Talai 45+2’ / Mohamed El Sayed 49’

Tunisia 0-1 Ethiopia
Scorer: Binyam Abrah 90+3’

Côte d’Ivoire finish top, Cameroon qualify and Uganda snatch playoff spot in dramatic tie

The conclusion of Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 delivered drama right until the final whistle. Côte d’Ivoire (1st, 7 points) and Cameroon (2nd, 6 points) secured direct qualification, while Uganda (3rd, 4 points) dramatically grabbed a World Cup playoff spot in the 104th minute.

Cameroon 1-0 DR Congo

Scorer: Omar Tsombeng (45+6’)

Cameroon only needed a point to secure qualification, but they walked away with all three. Against a determined DR Congo side, Alioum Saidou’s Young Indomitable Lions were forced to stay patient and resilient for much of the match.

The breakthrough finally arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Omar Tsombeng rose highest to power home a fierce header in the 45+6th minute, sending the Cameroonian bench into celebration.

In the second half, Cameroon managed their lead with greater composure and defensive solidity. It was not a spectacular display, but it was effective enough to secure a second victory of the campaign and, most importantly, direct qualification for the next stage.

The tournament ends with three defeats from three matches for DR Congo.

Côte d’Ivoire 2-2 Uganda

Scorers: Koudougnon Drebo (25’), Souleymane Kone (79’) / Henry Muhoozi (41’), Arafat Ibanda (90+14’ pen)

Already qualified, Côte d’Ivoire were aiming to secure top spot in the group, while Uganda were fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The Young Elephants started strongly and took the lead in the 25th minute through Koudougnon Drebo, who fired home a superb strike to make it 1-0.

Uganda responded with determination and found an equaliser just before the break when Henry Muhoozi levelled matters in the 41st minute.

After half-time, Côte d’Ivoire regained control of possession and looked set to claim victory when Souleymane Kone restored their advantage ten minutes from time (79’). The match appeared to be heading towards a routine conclusion – but stoppage time produced extraordinary drama.

Driven by desperation and remarkable fighting spirit, Uganda threw everything forward in search of a lifeline. Deep into stoppage time, following a chaotic final moment inside the Ivorian penalty area, the referee awarded a penalty after a VAR review.

Arafat Ibanda kept his composure and converted from the spot in the 90+14th minute, sparking wild celebrations.

The 2-2 draw secured first place for Côte d’Ivoire on seven points, while Uganda’s dramatic late equaliser earned them a World Cup play-off spot.

SOURCE: CAF ONLINE