An Egyptian officiating team, led by referee Mahmoud Wafa, has been appointed to take charge of the opening match of the North African Under-17 Championship qualifiers, according to the referees committee of the North African Football Union.
The fixture, which marks the start of the regional qualifying tournament, will see Morocco U-17 national team face Tunisia U-17 national team in Libya on Tuesday, 24 March. The match is expected to set the tone for the competition, which brings together emerging talent from across North Africa.
Wafa will be supported by a fellow Egyptian crew, with Mohamed Magdy Suleiman serving as first assistant referee and Islam Abu Al-Ata as second assistant. Libyan official Mohamed Fawzi Agha has been appointed as the fourth official.
The decision to assign an Egyptian refereeing team reflects the regional governing body’s reliance on experienced officials to manage high-profile youth fixtures, particularly in a tournament that plays a crucial role in identifying and developing future international players.
The North African Under-17 Championship qualifiers are seen as an important pathway for young footballers aiming to progress to continental and global competitions. Matches at this level often carry significant competitive intensity, despite the age category, as teams vie for qualification spots and regional recognition.
While Morocco and Tunisia contest the opening encounter, attention will also turn to the participation of other teams in the tournament, including Egypt. The Egypt U-17 national team, coached by Hussein Abdel Latif, will not feature in the first round of matches. Instead, they are scheduled to begin their campaign later in the week.
Egypt’s opening fixture will come against Tunisia on Friday, giving the team additional time to prepare as they enter the competition at a slightly later stage. The staggered start may offer a strategic advantage, allowing coaching staff to assess early performances from other teams before their own campaign begins.
Hosting the tournament in Libya adds further significance, as the country continues to stage regional football events, providing a platform for young players to compete in an international environment. The opening match, overseen by Wafa and his team, is expected to draw attention not only for the on-field action but also for the performance of match officials entrusted with maintaining the standards of the game.
As the competition gets under way, the role of referees will remain under close scrutiny, particularly in matches involving traditional North African rivals such as Morocco and Tunisia. Their encounters are often closely contested, requiring precise decision-making and effective match control.
With the tournament now set in motion, all eyes will be on both the players and officials as the North African Under-17 Championship qualifiers unfold, offering a glimpse into the region’s next generation of football talent.
