Egypt's path to the 2026 U17 AFCON semi-finals: Young Pharaohs surge with convincing quarter-final display

Egypt produced one of the standout performances of the quarter-finals, dismantling Côte d'Ivoire 4-1 to reach the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Young Pharaohs finished second in Group A with four points. They drew 0-0 with Ethiopia, lost narrowly to hosts Morocco, but secured progression with a 2-1 win over Tunisia. 

This placed them in a tough knockout path, but they rose to the occasion emphatically. 

In Sunday's quarter-final, Egypt raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time, with Khaled Mokhtar netting twice and Ahmed Beshir adding another.

A late penalty for Côte d'Ivoire and a fourth Egyptian goal from Soudi completed a comprehensive victory that highlighted their attacking potency and tactical organisation. 

Standout performers include forward Khaled Mokhtar, whose clinical finishing has been pivotal, alongside creative midfielder Ahmed Safwat and composed defender Alaa Adel.

Young talents like Mohamed Gamal and Amir Abou Elezz add depth and threat. 

Coach Hussein Abdel Latif has been instrumental, fostering a balanced, tactically astute side capable of competing at the highest level.

His focus on discipline and exploiting transitions has transformed Egypt into a dangerous knockout contender. 

Egypt now face surprise package Tanzania in the first semi-final on Thursday at Moulay El Hassan Stadium (kick-off 17:00 local time). 

The winners will edge closer to continental glory and a strong FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification position. 

This matchup pits Egypt's experience against Tanzania's momentum in what promises to be an intriguing contest.