Ethiopia v Morocco U23: Kick-off time and broadcast details for Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Morocco begin their U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Ethiopia on Thursday, with the reigning African champions aiming to take control of their second-round tie.

Having been given a bye through the opening round, Morocco enter the competition ahead of next year’s tournament in Egypt as strong favourites. The first leg will be played at the Dire Dawa Stadium in the Ethiopian city of the same name.

Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 French time, which is 13:00 in Morocco.

No broadcaster in France had been confirmed at the time of writing. In Morocco, the match could be shown by Arryadia.

Morocco won the most recent U23 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil three years ago, and will be expected to build on that success against an Ethiopia side seeking to qualify for the finals for the first time.

The tie also has added significance because the tournament will provide a route towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Morocco coach Jamal Ait Ben Idir will therefore want his team to establish a strong advantage before the return match in Rabat next week, scheduled for 17 November.

Victory over the two legs would send Morocco into the third and final qualifying round. Their potential opponents will be the winners of the tie between South Sudan and Senegal.

The first meeting between those sides ended goalless on Wednesday, with South Sudan and Senegal drawing 0-0 in Juba.

Should Morocco reach the next U23 Africa Cup of Nations, it would be their second consecutive appearance in the tournament. That would represent a record for the country.