Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Tanzania Secure Semifinal Spots at 2026 CAF U-17 AFCON

Posted : 27 May 2026

The semifinal matchups for the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations have been officially locked in following a series of intense quarterfinal matches. Tournament hosts Morocco will face off against Senegal in a highly anticipated heavyweight encounter. Meanwhile, a high-flying Egyptian squad is scheduled to battle tournament surprise package Tanzania for a place in the grand finale.

Morocco kept their championship hopes alive on home soil by securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Cameroon at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. Anderlecht left-back Mohamed Habib Zinbi scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute of play. Cameroon pushed hard for an equalizer; however, Moroccan goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi made several vital saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The tournament hosts will now play Senegal, who advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against regional rivals Mali. The Young Lions of Teranga were reduced to 10 men but held onto a gritty 1-1 draw through extra time. Senegalese shot-stopper Assane Sarr became the hero during the shootout; he saved a crucial spot-kick from Aboubacar Maïga to seal a 4-2 penalty win.

Tanzania also progressed via a penalty shootout after playing out an incredible 3-3 draw against Algeria. The North Africans took the lead twice during regulation time; nevertheless, the fighting East Africans mounted spectacular comebacks to level the score. Tanzania ultimately triumphed 4-3 from the penalty spot to book a historic semifinal ticket.

Egypt secured the final spot with the most dominant performance of the round by thrashing Côte d'Ivoire 4-1. Khaled Mokhtar scored a brilliant first-half double to put the Young Pharaohs in complete control. Broulaye Cisse pulled one back for the Ivorians from the penalty spot; however, Zeyad Saoudi added a fourth goal late on to finalize the victory.

All four semifinalists have automatically secured their tickets to represent Africa at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament. The highly anticipated semifinal double-header will take place on Thursday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Egypt will play Tanzania in the early kickoff; afterward, Morocco will face Senegal in the evening match.

Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Tanzania Secure Semifinal Spots at 2026 CAF U-17 AFCON

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