The semi-final line-up for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF (U-17 AFCON) Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed after a dramatic round of quarter-final action in Morocco, with hosts Morocco, holders Senegal, Egypt and Tanzania all securing places in the last four.
Morocco will face defending champions Senegal in what promises to be a heavyweight clash after both sides came through tense encounters to keep their title hopes alive.
The hosts edged Cameroon 1-0 in a tightly contested quarter-final to delight home supporters and continue their impressive run in the tournament. Senegal, meanwhile, needed penalties to overcome Mali after the West African derby ended 1-1 following extra time. The reigning champions held their nerve in the shootout to win 4-2 and book another semi-final appearance.
In the other last-four tie, Egypt will meet surprise package Tanzania after both teams produced eye-catching performances in the quarter-finals.
Tanzania continued their remarkable campaign by defeating Algeria 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining 3-3 draw, in one of the most thrilling matches of the competition so far. The East Africans have emerged as one of the stories of the tournament and are now within touching distance of a first continental title at this level.
Egypt, meanwhile, delivered one of the standout performances of the quarter-finals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire to secure their place in the semi-finals in convincing fashion.
All four semi-finalists have also secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, underlining their strong performances throughout the tournament.
The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on 28 May in Rabat, with the final set for 2 June as the race to be crowned African champions enters its decisive stage.
