Morocco beat Tunisia to lift U17 Women’s UNAF title

Morocco’s U17 women’s national team claimed the 2026 UNAF Tournament title after defeating hosts Tunisia 4-3 in a dramatic final-round encounter at the Ariana Stadium on the outskirts of Tunis.

The victory secured the regional crown for the Atlas Lionesses, who needed all three points against Tunisia to finish top of the standings after both teams entered the final match with the trophy still up for grabs.

Decisive showdown settles regional crown

The competition, played in a single-group format, produced a winner-takes-all finale after Tunisia had already recorded victories over Botswana and Libya.

Morocco’s campaign had begun with a 1-1 draw against invited Southern African side Botswana before an emphatic 10-0 win over Libya kept their title hopes alive.

That set up a decisive clash with the hosts, and the North Africans responded with a 4-3 victory in an entertaining seven-goal contest to seal the championship.

Rabii pleased with team’s progress

Head coach Younes Rabii praised both the result and his players’ performances throughout the tournament, describing the competition as an important stage in the development of the young squad.

Rabii said the tournament had provided valuable international experience against fellow North African opponents as well as Botswana, who featured as guest participants from Southern Africa.

He also noted that the event came at an ideal point before the start of the new season, giving his players the opportunity to build understanding on the pitch while gaining important competitive minutes.

Focus turns to 2027 World Cup

Rabii believes the current squad will play a significant role in Morocco’s future, with the team made up of players born in 2010 who are expected to form the backbone of the country’s U17 women’s side ahead of the 2027 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The latest success underlines Morocco’s continued commitment to developing women’s football, with investment in youth talent remaining central to the country’s ambition of becoming an even stronger force in African and international football.