2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations continued to deliver drama in Morocco on Saturday as Egypt U17 secured a crucial late victory over Tunisia, while Cameroon U17 and Ivory Coast U17 strengthened their positions in Group B.
Egypt bounced back from a disappointing opening match by defeating North African rivals Tunisia U17 2-1 thanks to a late strike from substitute Amir Abou Elezz.
The Young Pharaohs were forced to recover after Tunisia took an early lead through Moncef Thabti, who converted from the penalty spot in the 11th minute after Yahia Jlidi was brought down inside the area.
Egypt responded before half-time when Mohamed Gamal calmly converted another penalty after Hasib Mohamed was fouled near the edge of the Tunisian box.
The second half proved more evenly contested, with Tunisia creating several dangerous opportunities as both sides searched for a decisive breakthrough.
However, Egypt eventually capitalised on a defensive lapse late in the match.
Ziad Saoudi won possession high up the pitch before driving forward and delivering a low cross that Abou Elezz finished clinically to secure all three points.
The result moved Egypt to the top of Group A on four points, while Tunisia remained on one point heading into the next round of fixtures.
Hosts Morocco U17 also continued their strong start to the tournament with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ethiopia U17.
Ethiopia had taken the lead in the 24th minute through Dawit Kassaw, putting pressure on the home side in front of their supporters.
Morocco restored parity early in the second half through Mohamed Moustache before Imran Talai struck a late winner to hand the hosts their first victory of the competition.
The result left Morocco level on four points at the top of Group A alongside Egypt, keeping the race for qualification tightly balanced.
In Group B, Cameroon recovered from their opening defeat to Ivory Coast by defeating Uganda U17 1-0 in a hard-fought encounter.
The decisive moment arrived in the 24th minute when Abdoulraman Soudeisse reacted quickest after Uganda goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi failed to deal with a cross from the left flank.
Soudeisse’s effort took a slight deflection before finding the net, giving Cameroon a lead they successfully protected for the remainder of the contest.
Uganda had started brightly following their impressive opening victory over DR Congo and looked dangerous during the early stages, but Cameroon gradually took control after scoring.
The Young Lions dominated much of the remainder of the game and secured an important result that revived their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast became the first side from Group B to secure qualification for the quarter-finals after a narrow 1-0 victory over DR Congo U17.
Harafat Diabate scored deep into injury time to maintain the Ivorians’ perfect start to the tournament.
The result left Ivory Coast top of the group with six points, while Cameroon and Uganda both remained on three points. DR Congo are still without a point after two matches.
With qualification places and FIFA U-17 World Cup spots at stake, the intensity of the tournament continues to rise as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
