The Moroccan U-17 national football team has successfully advanced to the quarter-finals of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), securing the top spot in Group A following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Egypt on Tuesday evening.
The decisive match, held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, began with both sides exchanging early attacking spells as they sought an early breakthrough.
The Atlas Cubs drew first blood in the 18th minute when Mohamed Amine Moustach found the back of the net, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Chelsea prodigy Ibrahim Rabbaj. Just moments before the halftime whistle, Imran Talei doubled the hosts’ advantage in stoppage time (45+2′), sending Morocco into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Determined to salvage their campaign, the Egyptian squad applied intense pressure early in the second half. Their efforts quickly paid off when Ziad Saudi narrowed the deficit in the 49th minute, though the Moroccan defense ultimately held firm to secure the three points.
With this crucial victory, Morocco topped Group A with seven points. Egypt claimed the runner-up spot with four points, narrowly edging out third-placed Ethiopia on goal difference, while Tunisia finished at the bottom of the group standings with a single point.
Looking ahead, the Moroccan squad is now set to face Cameroon in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash, after the Cameroonian side finished second in Group B behind leaders Ivory Coast.
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