The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, reaches its decisive stage on Thursday, with Egypt facing surprise package Tanzania before hosts Morocco meet Senegal in a heavyweight semi-final double-header in Rabat.
Both matches will be played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with Egypt and Tanzania opening the evening at 17:00 (local time) before Morocco and Senegal meet at 20:00 (local time) in a contest loaded with recent history, national pride and the pressure that comes with youth football at this level.
All four semi-finalists have already secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, but the bigger prize now is a place in Tuesday’s final and the chance to be crowned Africa’s best youth side.
Egypt arrive in the last four with perhaps the most convincing quarter-final performance of the tournament, after beating Côte d’Ivoire 4-1. Khaled Mokhtar scored twice as the Young Pharaohs struck three times before half-time to take control of the tie and underline their growing confidence.
Coach Hussein Abdel Latif’s side have shown a useful balance between defensive discipline and quick transitions, and their ability to punish mistakes early could be crucial against a Tanzania team that has made resilience its strongest weapon.
Tanzania have become one of the stories of the competition. The Serengeti Boys reached the semi-finals after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Algeria before winning 4-3 on penalties, having earlier topped Group C with six points.
Their coach Elieneza Nsanganzelu said after securing World Cup qualification that Tanzania had completed their “first mission” and were now targeting the U-17 AFCON title.
That belief has been visible in their performances, with the team refusing to collapse even when put under pressure.
Dynamic winger Abel Josiah, goalkeeper Abrahman Nassoro and captain Kassim Juma have been central to the run, giving Tanzania pace, organisation and leadership.
But Egypt will offer a different test: more ruthless in attack, more experienced in knockout rhythm and capable of turning small errors into decisive moments.
The second semi-final brings together Morocco and Senegal in what looks, on paper, like the tie of the round.
Morocco, backed by home support, kept their title defence alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Cameroon, Mohamed Habib Zinbi scoring the only goal in the 17th minute. Goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi also played an important role, making key interventions as the hosts held on under pressure.
The young Atlas Lions have shown attacking flair and defensive control throughout the tournament, topping Group A with seven points before edging through the quarter-finals. Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, they have looked like a side comfortable with expectation.
Senegal, however, bring their own pedigree and toughness. The Young Lions of Teranga survived a red card, a late Mali equaliser and a penalty shootout to reach the last four, winning 4-2 from the spot after a 1-1 draw.
Goalkeeper Assane Sarr was decisive in the shootout, while players such as Souleymane Commissaire Fay and Cheikh Amadou Tidiane Diallo have helped Senegal remain organised and dangerous in difficult moments.
For Tanzania, this is a chance to write one of East African football’s great youth stories. For Egypt, it is an opportunity to return to a continental final with authority.
For Morocco, it is about defending the crown on home soil. For Senegal, it is another test of character from a team that has already shown it can survive chaos.
By the end of the night in Rabat, Africa will know the two teams who will contest the U-17 AFCON final.
