U17 AFCON: Ilian Hadidi rescues Morocco after Tunisia threaten opening upset

Ilian Hadidi struck late in the second half to rescue Morocco from defeat against Tunisia as the hosts opened their U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a tense 1-1 draw on Monday.

Morocco appeared on course for a disappointing start after Yahya Jlidi gave Tunisia the lead before half-time, but the Young Lions responded strongly after the interval and eventually found an equaliser through Hadidi in the 76th minute.

The result leaves both teams level in the group after an intense North African derby that swung dramatically from one side to the other over the course of 90 minutes.

Tunisia were the sharper side during the opening stages and looked more comfortable in possession during the first half.

Organised defensively and dangerous on the counter-attack, the Young Carthage Eagles repeatedly exposed spaces behind the Moroccan defence and created the better chances before the break.

Their pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute.

Yahya Jlidi took advantage of a lapse in concentration inside the Moroccan penalty area, controlling the ball with his chest before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Adam El Maach.

The goal silenced sections of the home support and rewarded Tunisia for a disciplined and patient approach.

Morocco struggled to impose themselves during the opening period despite enjoying moments of possession.

Their attacking players found it difficult to break through Tunisia’s compact defensive shape, while the visitors continued to threaten whenever they moved forward quickly.

By half-time, Tunisia looked in control.

The second half, however, produced a completely different contest.

Morocco returned from the dressing room with greater urgency and immediately began to push Tunisia deeper into their own half.

The hosts increased the tempo, pressed aggressively and attempted to stretch the Tunisian defence through wider attacking play.

As the pressure mounted, Tunisia gradually retreated and spent long periods defending close to their own goal.

Morocco continued searching for an equaliser, although clear chances initially remained limited.

One of the defining moments of the match came when Morocco appealed for a penalty following a challenge on highly rated youngster Ibrahim Rabbaj inside the area.

Moroccan players surrounded the referee after the incident, convinced a foul had been committed.

After consulting VAR, however, the referee decided against awarding the penalty, allowing play to continue.

The decision briefly frustrated the Moroccan bench and supporters, but the Young Lions refused to lose momentum.

Instead of allowing the disappointment to affect them, the hosts continued attacking with greater intensity.

Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 76th minute.

Ilian Hadidi broke through the Tunisian defence before producing a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Daghrour to bring Morocco level.

The goal transformed the atmosphere inside the stadium and shifted the momentum entirely in favour of the hosts.

For Hadidi, the equaliser was a crucial contribution on a night when Morocco struggled for long periods to convert possession into clear opportunities. The midfielder showed composure at a decisive moment and prevented the hosts from opening the tournament with defeat.

After drawing level, Morocco continued pressing in search of a winner, encouraged by growing confidence and support from the crowd.

Tunisia, meanwhile, attempted to slow the pace of the game and protect the valuable point they still held.

Despite several late attacks from both sides, neither team could find another breakthrough before the final whistle.

The draw leaves mixed emotions for both camps.

Tunisia may feel they missed an opportunity to claim a major opening victory after controlling much of the first half and leading for a significant portion of the game.

Their organisation, discipline and counter-attacking approach caused Morocco serious problems and demonstrated why they remain one of the most competitive teams in the tournament.

At the same time, Morocco will take encouragement from the reaction shown after the interval.

Although the performance exposed weaknesses that need improvement, the Young Lions displayed resilience and determination under pressure.

The match also highlighted the growing importance of several emerging talents within the Moroccan squad.

Ibrahim Rabbaj remained influential despite tight marking, while Hadidi’s equaliser confirmed his ability to make an impact during key moments.

Morocco will now turn their attention to the next group match against Ethiopia, knowing improvement will be necessary if they are to meet expectations as hosts and defending champions.

Tunisia, meanwhile, face another demanding test against Egypt in what promises to be another decisive encounter in the group.

For now, the opening derby produced exactly the kind of tension and drama expected between two traditional North African rivals.

Tunisia came close to a memorable victory, but Morocco ultimately found a way back through Hadidi’s late intervention to avoid an early setback in their continental campaign.