Second round battles set to shape knockout race at TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026

The race for places in the knockout stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 intensifies on Saturday as the second round of group matches gets under way across Groups A and B.

After an opening round filled with drama, surprises and tightly contested encounters, several teams now head into crucial fixtures knowing victory could move them to the brink of qualification for both the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and South Africa all began their campaigns with victories, while defending champions Morocco, former winners Ghana, Cameroon and Egypt are among the sides seeking stronger performances in the second round.

The opening matches highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament, with only one team managing to score more than two goals in the first round.

Uganda produced one of the standout displays by defeating debutants DR Congo 3-0 in Group B, while Tanzania impressed with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mozambique in Group C.

Algeria and Ghana shared an entertaining 2-2 draw in Group D, while hosts Morocco were held 1-1 by Tunisia in front of their home supporters.

Saturday’s fixtures are expected to have a major impact on the standings, particularly in Groups A and B where qualification scenarios could begin to emerge.

In Group A, Tunisia face Egypt in a North African derby that could prove decisive for both sides.

Tunisia earned a valuable point against Morocco in the opening match thanks to Yahya Jneidi’s goal before Ilyan Hadidi rescued a draw for the hosts. Egypt, meanwhile, were frustrated by Ethiopia in a goalless draw and now need victory to strengthen their qualification hopes.

The second Group A encounter will see hosts Morocco take on Ethiopia in Rabat.

Morocco remain among the favourites for the title despite their opening draw, with coach PortuTiago Lima Pereira expected to demand a sharper attacking display from his side.

Ethiopia, however, showed excellent organisation and discipline against Egypt and will believe they can trouble the defending champions once again.

Group B could produce some of the most fascinating contests of the day.

Cameroon, two-time champions and one of the traditional heavyweights of African youth football, suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening fixture.

The Indomitable Cubs now face a dangerous Uganda side full of confidence after their impressive win over DR Congo.

Much attention will focus on Uganda coach Laryea Kingston, the former Ghana international whose tactical organisation and calm leadership have transformed the East Africans into one of the early surprise packages of the tournament.

Captain Owen Mukisa once again impressed in midfield and Uganda know another victory would move them very close to a historic first appearance in the knockout stage.

The other Group B fixture pits DR Congo against Côte d’Ivoire.

The Ivorians opened their campaign with an accomplished victory over Cameroon thanks to goals from Ange Nomane and Hubert Yao and currently top the group.

DR Congo, making their tournament debut, will attempt to recover quickly after their heavy defeat to Uganda.

The Young Leopards showed flashes of attacking quality in their opening match but struggled defensively and now face another difficult challenge against the WAFU B champions.

Beyond the race for the quarter-finals, the tournament also carries added significance because ten African nations will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

That expanded qualification allocation has added even greater intensity to every group-stage fixture, with teams aware that each point could prove decisive in the battle for a global ticket.

With pressure growing and the margin for error shrinking, Saturday’s matches promise another compelling chapter in Morocco as Africa’s next generation of stars continue their quest for continental glory.

Saturday Fixtures – TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026

Group A

• Tunisia vs Egypt – 14h00 local time

• Ethiopia vs Morocco – 20h00 local time

Group B

• Cameroon vs Uganda – 17h00 local time

• DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire – 20h00 local time

Group C (Sunday)

• Angola vs Tanzania – 14h00 local time

• Mozambique vs Mali – 20h00 local time

Group D (Sunday)

• South Africa vs Algeria – 17h00 local time

• Ghana vs Senegal – 17h00 local time