U17 AFCON: Tunisia Out As Morocco, Egypt Reach Quarter-Finals

U17 AFCON: Tunisia Out As Morocco, Egypt Reach Quarter-Finals 

By Our Reporter 

Morocco secured top spot in Group A of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations following a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Egypt on a dramatic final matchday that also saw Ethiopia claim a late 1–0 win over Tunisia on Tuesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The hosts delivered an impressive first-half performance against fellow North African rivals Egypt to finish the group stage unbeaten and confirm qualification for both the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Morocco opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Ibrahim Rabat after asserting early control of the contest.

They doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time when Ismail El Aoud found the net to hand the hosts a commanding 2–0 lead at the break.

Egypt responded immediately after halftime as Ziad Saoudi reduced the deficit in the 49th minute, but Morocco maintained their defensive discipline to hold on for victory and secure first place in the group.

Despite the defeat, Egypt also progressed to the quarter-finals and booked their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after finishing second in the standings ahead of Ethiopia on goal difference.

In the group’s other decisive fixture, Ethiopia kept their qualification hopes alive with a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Tunisia.

Amir Misbah emerged as the hero, scoring in the 93rd minute to seal a 1–0 triumph and spark celebrations for the East Africans.

The result moved Ethiopia level on points with Egypt, but their inferior goal difference meant they had to settle for third place and a spot in the play-offs, where they will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.

Tunisia, meanwhile, endured a disappointing campaign, finishing bottom of Group A without recording a single victory.

The final standings saw Morocco finish as group winners, Egypt claim second place, Ethiopia secure third, while Tunisia exited the tournament.