Morocco U-17 football national team ended their first match at AFCON 2026 with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia. The Atlas Cubs, defending champions, played Wednesday their opener at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The Carthage Eaglets opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Yahya Jalidi, who gave his team the advantage in the first half. The Moroccans responded with increased pressure, pushing forward in search of an equalizer as Tunisia remained compact defensively, using counterattack tactics.
The hosts finally found a breakthrough in the 76th minute when Ilian Hadidi scored the equalizer to ignite celebrations inside the stadium. Despite late pressure from the Atlas Cubs, the Carthage Eaglets held firm to secure an important point in a highly competitive Group A which includes Egypt and Ethiopia. They also shared the points in a goalless draw played the same day.
In Group B, Uganda trounced DR Congo 3-0. The East Africans produced a composed and clinical performance to move level on points with Côte d’Ivoire at the top of the group after the Ivorians defeated Cameroon 2-0.
16 teams African teams, drawn in four groups, are vying for the the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 hosted by Morocco from May 13 to June 2.
These are Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Morocco (host & defending champion).
