TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: Côte d’Ivoire book quarter-final and World Cup spot, Morocco win late, Cameroon bounce back and Egypt snatch victory
Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 DR Congo
Scorer: Harafat Diabate (90+2’)
Côte d’Ivoire sealed qualification for both the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after edging DR Congo 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a dramatic late winner from Harafat Diabate in stoppage time (90+2’).
In a tense and tightly contested encounter, clear chances were few and far between for most of the game. The young Ivorians showed determination but often lacked precision in the final third against a disciplined and compact Congolese side that remained organised throughout.
The match seemed to be heading towards a dull draw, a result that would have postponed the final verdict until the last matchday. But in stoppage time, everything changed. Following a mistake inside the penalty area, Harafat Diabaté converted from the spot. A goal that felt like pure relief, sending the young Côte d’Ivoire side into wild celebrations and leaving the Congo players stunned.
Ethiopia 1 - 2 Morocco
Scorers: Dawit Kasaw (24’) / Mohamed Moustache (49’), Irman Talai (90+1’)
Later in the day, Morocco secured a valuable 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in a match that went down to the wire. Ethiopia made the brighter start and took the lead in the 24th minute through Dawit Kasaw.
Full of energy in the opening half, the Ethiopians caused problems for the Moroccan defence with their pace and high pressing.
Trailing at the break, Morocco returned with greater urgency. The Atlas Cubs pushed forward repeatedly and were rewarded in the 49th minute when Mohamed Moustache found the equaliser.
The goal completely changed the momentum of the match, with Morocco gradually taking control of possession and dictating the tempo.
Just when the game appeared to be heading for a draw, Irman Talai struck deep into stoppage time (90+1’) to hand Morocco a dramatic victory.
The late winner keeps Morocco firmly on track in the competition and strengthens their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Cameroon bounce back as Egypt leave it late against Tunisia
Cameroon 1-0 Uganda
Scorer: Abdulraman Soudeisse (25’)
Matchday 2 proved crucial for Cameroon, as the Young Indomitable Lions revived their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uganda.
Following an opening defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon came into the clash under pressure to respond and they delivered thanks to a first-half strike from Abdulraman Soudeisse.
From the opening whistle, Cameroon showed far greater intensity and determination compared to their first outing. Well organised at the back and more aggressive in midfield battles, they managed to take control of the game against an Ugandan side full of confidence after their emphatic 3-0 win over DR Congo on Matchday 1.
The decisive moment arrived in the 25th minute. Capitalising on a defensive error, Abdulraman Soudeisse kept his composure in front of goal to beat the Ugandan goalkeeper and hand Cameroon the lead.
Both teams created chances after the break, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
Cameroon relied on disciplined defending and strong organisation to protect their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory puts Cameroon firmly back in contention for qualification after their opening setback, while Uganda suffer their first defeat of the tournament despite an impressive start.
Tunisia 1-2 Egypt
Scorers: Moncef Thabti (11’ pen) / Mohamed Gamal (42’ pen), Amir Aboulezz (89’)
Tunisia and Egypt served up a highly competitive Group A clash, with the Young Pharaohs eventually claiming a dramatic 2-1 victory in an intense encounter.
Tunisia made the perfect start, taking the lead early in the game. In the 11th minute, Moncef Thabti calmly converted from the penalty spot to put the Eagles of Carthage ahead and cap off a strong opening spell.
After going in front, Tunisia looked to control the tempo with a compact shape and quick transitions. Egypt, however, gradually grew into the game, dominating possession and increasing pressure in the final third.
Their persistence paid off just before half-time when Mohamed Gamal converted a penalty in the 42nd minute to level matters for the Young Pharaohs.
The second half became more tactical and physical, with both sides cautious not to make costly mistakes while still threatening on set pieces and counter-attacks. Tunisia created a few promising chances to regain the lead but lacked the finishing touch in key moments.
Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Amir Aboulezz struck in the 89th minute to complete the comeback. His late winner rewarded Egypt’s persistence and punished a Tunisian side that had dropped deeper in the closing stages.
Despite a late push from Tunisia in stoppage time, the scoreline remained unchanged.
The dramatic win sees Egypt secure an important three points in the race for qualification, while Tunisia are left to rue missed opportunities after coming close to holding on for a positive result.
