Egypt Stuns Home Crowd to Claim AFCON U17 Bronze in Rabat
The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute, and it arrived against the run of play, writes Gazette's Annet Mugabo.
“We knew Morocco would try to control the game. Our plan was to stay compact, stay patient, and wait for our moments.”
—Mahmoud Ibrahim, Egypt’s coach
Egypt produced a composed and ruthless display to defeat hosts Morocco 2–0 and secure third place at the TotalEnergies AFCON U17, ending the tournament on a high in front of a disappointed Rabat crowd.
For long periods, it was a match shaped by tension rather than rhythm—two young sides aware of the stakes, yet cautious not to overcommit.
Morocco, backed by home support and carrying the tag of defending champions, began with intent, controlling possession and attempting to dictate the tempo.
But Egypt’s structure held firm.
“We knew Morocco would try to control the game,” Egypt coach Mahmoud Ibrahim said. “Our plan was to stay compact, stay patient, and wait for our moments.”
Those moments were rare in a tight first half. Morocco’s Rabbaj provided one of the few sparks in the 17th minute, unleashing a powerful effort from distance that forced a sharp save and briefly lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Yet the game gradually settled into a tactical struggle — Morocco probing without penetration, Egypt absorbing pressure and refusing to be drawn out.
The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute, and it arrived against the run of play. Mohamed Salem—nicknamed “Diezel”—found space inside the box and finished calmly, silencing the home crowd and shifting the momentum firmly in Egypt’s favour.
“We had control, but we didn’t have the final touch. At this level, small details decide matches.”
—Nabil El Aynaoui, Morocco’s coach
Morocco responded with urgency after the break, pushing higher and increasing pressure on Egypt’s defensive line. But their final ball often lacked precision, and frustration began to grow as the clock ticked down.
“We had control, but we didn’t have the final touch,” Morocco coach Nabil El Aynaoui said. “At this level, small details decide matches.”
The defining moment of Moroccan hope came deep into stoppage time when appeals for a penalty were waved away after a VAR review. The decision sparked frustration among players and fans alike, but the ruling stood.
Egypt then punished the stretched hosts in added time. With Morocco committed forward, Ahmed Beahir finished a late counter-attack to seal a 2–0 win and confirm the bronze medal.
Triumph of Discipline
For Egypt, it was a victory built on discipline, patience, and timing — a performance that underlined their ability to manage pressure moments on the continental stage.
“We stayed focused until the last whistle,” said Egypt captain Omar Hamed. “This team believes even when the game is difficult.”
For Morocco, however, it was a painful ending on home soil. The defending champions leave the tournament without a podium finish, a result that will prompt reflection despite flashes of quality throughout their campaign.
Analytically, the match was decided in transition moments. Egypt’s compact mid-block frustrated Morocco’s build-up play, forcing them into wide areas where crossing opportunities were easier to defend.
Once Egypt scored first, the game state shifted completely, allowing them to control tempo without needing possession dominance.
The late second goal simply reflected what had already become inevitable: Morocco pushing forward, Egypt waiting patiently for space to open.
Up Next, Senegal vs Tanzania
“We respect Tanzania, but we are focused on our identity. We know what it takes to reach finals, and we are ready.”
—Senegal coach, Abdou Diouf said.
Attention now shifts to the final, where Senegal meets Tanzania in what promises to be one of the defining matches of the tournament.
Tanzania stands on the edge of history, chasing their first-ever AFCON U17 final appearance. Their journey has already captured attention across the continent, marking a breakthrough moment for their youth development.
“This is more than a match for us,” Tanzania coach Juma Makame said. “It is about belief—about showing that we belong at this level.”
Senegal, however, arrive with expectation and pedigree. The Lions of Teranga reached the 2023 final, where they finished runners-up to Burkina Faso, and remain one of the most consistent youth sides in African football.
“We respect Tanzania, but we are focused on our identity,” Senegal coach Abdou Diouf said. “We know what it takes to reach finals, and we are ready.”
It is a clash defined by contrast — Tanzania’s ambition against Senegal’s experience — with a place in the final and continental history on the line.
