U17 AFCON: Morocco rally from behind to draw 1-1 with Tunisia in opening match

Morocco’s U17 national team started their CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in their opening Group A match on Wednesday evening.

The Atlas Cubs were forced to come from behind after Tunisia took the lead during the first half of the tightly contested encounter.

Tunisia Strike First Through Yahya Jalidi

The Tunisian side opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Yahya Jalidi, who gave his team the advantage after capitalising on a promising attacking move.

Following the goal, Tunisia adopted a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive organisation while looking to threaten Morocco on the counterattack.

Elian Al-Hadidi Rescues Morocco

Morocco continued to push for an equaliser throughout the second half as they searched for a way back into the match.

Their efforts were eventually rewarded in the 76th minute when Elian Al-Hadidi found the back of the net to restore parity for the defending champions.

The goal helped Morocco avoid defeat and ensured the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Group A Remains Wide Open

The result leaves Group A finely balanced after Egypt and Ethiopia also shared the points in a goalless draw earlier on Wednesday.

Morocco will now shift focus to their next group-stage fixture as they continue their quest to successfully defend the continental title.