In a thrilling conclusion to their U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey, Egypt emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against the host nation, Morocco, during the third-place playoff held on Monday. The match saw Mohamed El-Sayed take the lead for Egypt in the 33rd minute, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Egyptian squad solidified their triumph with a stunning goal from Ahmed Bashir deep into stoppage time, ensuring their place on the podium and securing the bronze medal.
This commendable third-place finish not only highlights Egypt's prowess in youth football but also marks a significant milestone as they have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The tournament journey began with a challenging goalless draw against Ethiopia, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tunisia in their second Group A match. Despite a setback against Morocco, where they lost 2-1 in the final group stage match, Egypt managed to advance to the quarter-finals with a total of four points.
In the quarter-finals, the Egyptian team showcased their resilience by defeating Cote d'Ivoire with an impressive scoreline of 4-1. However, they faced a tough challenge in the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Tanzania in a nail-biting penalty shootout. On the other hand, Morocco encountered a similar fate, losing to Senegal on penalties in the other semi-final clash.
Looking ahead, Egypt is now gearing up for the 2026 U-17 World Cup, where they have been placed in Group A alongside the hosts, Qatar, as well as Greece and Panama. This prestigious tournament is set to unfold in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, 2026, and Egypt will be eager to make their mark on the global stage.
As reported by english.ahram.org.eg.
