Ivory Coast U17 face Tanzania in final AFCON warm-up clash in Casablanca

Ivory Coast’s U17 national team will conclude their preparations for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations with a final warm-up match against Tanzania on Friday in Casablanca, as the Junior Elephants look to sharpen their form ahead of the continental tournament.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. GMT at the Mohammed V Stadium Annex, represents the last opportunity for the Ivorian coaching staff to assess their squad in competitive conditions before travelling to Rabat for the main competition.

Final test before AFCON campaign

The fixture against Tanzania has been billed as a final rehearsal for the Ivorians, who have experienced a mixed run of results during their preparation camp.

The team began their build-up positively in Abidjan, where they secured a 2-0 victory over Ghana’s U17 side, showing early signs of cohesion and attacking promise.

However, consistency has remained a challenge. In the return fixture, Ivory Coast suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against the Black Starlets, a result that highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and raised questions about balance within the squad.

The coaching staff have since focused on restoring confidence and tightening organisation across the team, with the encounter against Tanzania seen as an important measure of progress.

Tough opposition in Tanzania

Tanzania arrive in Casablanca with their own momentum, having recently recorded a notable 3-1 victory over Cameroon.

That result has strengthened their reputation as a disciplined and competitive side at youth level, and they are expected to provide a stern test for the Ivorians.

For Ivory Coast, the fixture is not only about results but also about refining tactical understanding, improving teamwork, and ensuring players are physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the continental stage.

The Junior Elephants will be aiming to end their preparation camp on a positive note, using the match to correct mistakes observed in earlier outings and to build stability across all areas of play.

Focus on cohesion and confidence

With the U17 AFCON fast approaching, the emphasis within the Ivorian camp has shifted towards unity and consistency.

Coaching staff are understood to be prioritising collective performance over individual displays, with attention on defensive organisation and transitions between attack and defence.

The match in Casablanca is expected to offer a clearer picture of the squad’s readiness, particularly after their contrasting results against Ghana.

While the opening victory demonstrated attacking potential, the subsequent heavy defeat underlined the need for greater resilience and structure.

Against Tanzania, Ivory Coast will look to strike a balance between creativity and control, ensuring that lessons from earlier matches are reflected on the pitch.

Building towards Rabat

Following Friday’s encounter, the Junior Elephants will travel to Rabat to continue their preparations ahead of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament represents a significant opportunity for the squad to compete against the continent’s strongest youth teams and to test their development on a major stage.

Match amical international U17 :

Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 vs Tanzanie 🇹🇿

Ce Vendredi 8 mai à 13h GMT à l’Annexe Stade Mohammed V (Casablanca).#FootballCIV pic.twitter.com/dizkmll7Le

— Le Kpakpato Sportif (@LKsportif) May 7, 2026

The coaching team is expected to finalise tactical plans and squad roles based on performances in Casablanca, with the friendly serving as a final checkpoint before the competition begins.

As anticipation builds, the focus remains firmly on improvement, discipline, and finishing the preparation phase with a strong collective performance.