The race for the quarter-finals of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 reaches its decisive stage this week, with all four groups still carrying major storylines ahead of the final round of matches.
After two rounds, Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire have emerged as the strongest teams so far, while hosts Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Uganda and Ghana still have important work to do to secure qualification.
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The tournament also serves as Africa’s pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. The eight quarter-finalists will automatically qualify for the global tournament, while third-placed teams will head into play-offs for the final two spots.
In Group A, Morocco and Egypt are level on four points and will meet in a direct battle for top spot. Tunisia and Ethiopia, both on one point, also remain in contention and know victory could keep their hopes alive through the third-place qualification route.
Group B is led by Côte d’Ivoire, who have collected six points from two matches after wins over Cameroon and DR Congo. They face Uganda, who still need a positive result to strengthen their knockout hopes. Cameroon, also on three points, take on DR Congo, who are yet to register a point.
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Tanzania have dominated Group C with back-to-back 3-0 victories and will now face Mali in what is expected to be their biggest test so far. Angola and Mozambique, both searching for a first win, also remain in the race for possible third-place qualification.
Group D remains the tightest section, with Algeria leading on four points ahead of Senegal and South Africa, who both have three points. Ghana, bottom with one point, must win to keep their hopes alive.
Final Group Fixtures
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
• Morocco vs Egypt
• Tunisia vs Ethiopia
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Uganda
• Cameroon vs DR Congo
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
• Mali vs Tanzania
• Angola vs Mozambique
• Senegal vs Algeria
• South Africa vs Ghana
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