Egypt claim bronze medal at TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after victory over hosts

Egypt concluded their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign on a high note, securing a bronze medal with a 2-0 victory over hosts, Morocco in the third-place play-off held in Rabat on Monday.

The result sees Egypt finish among the tournament’s top three teams for the first time since 1997.

Both sides entered the encounter seeking to bounce back from heartbreaking semi-final exits via penalty shoot-outs, with Morocco falling to Senegal and Egypt losing to Tanzania.

However, it was Egypt who proved more clinical in front of goal and capitalized on their chances to secure the win.

Egypt opened the scoring in the 33rd minute through Mohamed El Sayed, whose cross deceived the Moroccan goalkeeper and found its way into the net to hand the Young Pharaohs a 1-0 lead.

The North Africans nearly doubled their advantage before the break when Amir Abou El Ezz embarked on a dangerous run and fired a powerful effort in the 43rd minute, only for the ball to drift narrowly wide of the post. 

The Egyptians continued to press for a second goal after the restart and thought they had found it when Ahmed Beshir headed home brilliantly. However, the effort was ruled out following a VAR review.

Undeterred by the setback, Egypt maintained their attacking intent while Morocco pushed for an equaliser in front of their home supporters.

The second half produced chances at both ends, but Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Obeid delivered a series of crucial saves to preserve his side’s lead.

Amir Abou El Ezz came close once again with a powerful low strike, but the Moroccan goalkeeper reacted well to deny him.

Ahmed Beshir eventually sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 90+11th minute to secure a 2-0 triumph and confirm Egypt’s bronze-medal finish.

Mohamed Obeid was named Player of the Match in recognition of his outstanding performance and decisive contribution to Egypt’s clean sheet.

Both teams had already secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year and will now turn their attention to the global stage following impressive performances throughout the continental competition.

The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will conclude on Tuesday, 2 June, with Tanzania and Senegal set to face off in the final as both sides battle for continental glory.