Morocco U23 edge Ethiopia to take first-leg advantage in 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Morocco’s U23 national team secured a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia in the first leg of the second round of qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on November 12.

Younes El Bahraoui scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute to give the Atlas Cubs an important advantage ahead of the return fixture as they seek to progress to the next qualifying round.

The victory puts Jamal Ait Ben Idir’s side in a favourable position, but they must complete the job when the two teams meet again in Rabat.

Return leg scheduled for Rabat

Morocco will host Ethiopia in the second leg on November 17 at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30pm Moroccan time.

The Atlas Cubs will be looking to use home advantage to confirm their progress and move closer to securing a place in the final tournament.

Road to Egypt 2027

The 2027 U23 AFCON will be hosted by Egypt, with seven other national teams joining the hosts in the eight-team final tournament.

A total of 42 nations entered the qualifying campaign, which consists of three rounds of home-and-away matches.

The 14 teams advancing from the second round will compete in seven decisive ties in March 2027, with the winners earning qualification for the finals.

The tournament will also form part of Africa’s qualification pathway for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Morocco target another continental triumph

Morocco will be hoping to build on its previous success in the competition after winning their maiden U23 AFCON title in 2023.

The Atlas Cubs defeated Egypt 2-1 after extra time in the final in Rabat, securing their place at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

They went on to claim a historic bronze medal at the Olympics, further strengthening Morocco’s reputation in youth football.

Ait Ben Idir’s side will now turn its attention to the return fixture against Ethiopia, where victory or a draw will be enough to see Morocco advance.