Morocco take first-leg advantage over Ethiopia in U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Morocco secured a narrow 1-0 victory away to Ethiopia in the first leg of the second preliminary round of U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Jamal Ait Ben Idir’s side produced the decisive moment in the 28th minute at Dire Dawa Stadium, with Younes El Bahraoui scoring the only goal of the match.

The Al-Taawoun forward, who previously played for RS Berkane, met a cut-back from the right at the penalty spot and finished clinically. The ball took a slight deflection off one of the defenders before wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the net to his left.

Morocco held on to their advantage despite pressure from the hosts after the interval. Ethiopia came close to levelling in the 64th minute, but their effort was kept out by goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis.

The OM player delivered an outstanding performance, repeatedly positioning himself in the path of Ethiopia’s most dangerous attempts and helping the visitors preserve their lead.

The result gives Morocco a strong position ahead of the second leg, which will be played in Rabat in five days’ time on 17 November. The tie forms part of the qualifying route to the football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Should Morocco progress, they could face Senegal in the third and final round. Senegal drew 0-0 away to South Sudan on the eve of Morocco’s victory, leaving that potential meeting finely poised.