2026 U17 AFCON: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Tanzania reach semi-finals

The semi-final line-up of the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed after four dramatic quarter-final matches played on Sunday delivered tension, goals and heartbreak across Morocco.

Host nation Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Tanzania all secured their places in the last four following intense knockout encounters that highlighted the growing quality of youth football on the continent.

The day began with one of the tournament’s most dramatic contests as Tanzania defeated Algeria on penalties after an unforgettable 3-3 draw.

Morocco later edged Cameroon in a tightly contested encounter, while Senegal overcame Mali in a major West African clash.

Egypt then completed the semi-final picture with an emphatic victory against Ivory Coast.

The quarter-finals also marked the end of the road for four nations that had arrived with strong ambitions of lifting the continental title.

Tanzania and Algeria produced the most chaotic and emotional match of the day.

The two sides could not be separated after normal time following a thrilling 3-3 draw packed with attacking football and defensive mistakes.

Tanzania ultimately held their nerve during the penalty shootout, winning 4-3 to secure a historic qualification for the semi-finals.

The East Africans once again showed resilience and composure under pressure, continuing what has become one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament.

Algeria, meanwhile, were left devastated after coming so close to a place in the final four.

Despite showing determination throughout the contest, the Young Fennecs were unable to finish the job from the penalty spot.

Morocco then maintained their dream of winning the title on home soil with a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Cameroon.

Playing at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the young Atlas Lions once again demonstrated their discipline and defensive organisation in front of their supporters.

Cameroon pushed hard for an equaliser during the second half, but Morocco managed the game carefully to protect their advantage.

The result keeps alive Morocco’s hopes of defending their continental crown while also strengthening their reputation as one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Cameroon leave the tournament after a campaign that showed promise despite their quarter-final defeat.

The Young Lions recovered impressively after a difficult start to the group stage, but they were unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined Moroccan side.

Another heavyweight clash followed between Senegal and Mali in a meeting between two nations with rich histories at youth level.

Senegal secured a 2-1 victory after a competitive and physical contest that lived up to expectations.

The Young Lions of Teranga showed greater efficiency in key moments and managed to resist Mali’s attempts to force their way back into the match.

The victory sends Senegal into another U17 AFCON semi-final and underlines their consistency at youth level in recent years.

For Mali, the defeat ends a campaign that began slowly before improving during the knockout phase.

The young Eagles had entered the competition among the favourites because of their strong record in the tournament, but Senegal proved too strong on the day.

The final quarter-final produced the biggest scoreline of the round as Egypt overwhelmed Ivory Coast 4-1.

The Egyptians punished repeated defensive mistakes from the Young Elephants and looked dangerous throughout the encounter.

Ivory Coast, who had impressed during the group stage, struggled to cope with Egypt’s intensity and aerial threat.

The victory confirmed Egypt’s return to the top level of the competition after several difficult years at youth level.

Their attacking efficiency and confidence now make them serious contenders for the title heading into the semi-finals.

For Ivory Coast, the defeat was a painful setback after hopes of improving on their third-place finish from the previous edition.

Sunday’s quarter-finals also confirmed the final four nations that will continue competing for continental glory.

Morocco will now face Senegal in what is expected to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

The hosts will carry the pressure of expectation in front of their supporters, while Senegal arrive full of confidence after eliminating Mali.

The other semi-final will see Egypt take on Tanzania.

Egypt enter the match with momentum following their dominant display against Ivory Coast, while Tanzania continue to surprise observers with their fearless performances.

Beyond the battle for the title, all four semi-finalists have already secured qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup, which will take place in Qatar later this year.

The quarter-finals therefore served as both a celebration of African youth football and a reminder of the unpredictability of knockout competition.

While favourites like Morocco and Senegal progressed, Tanzania’s historic run and Egypt’s powerful display ensured that the tournament continues to deliver major surprises.

As the competition moves closer to the final, attention will now turn to the semi-finals, where four ambitious nations remain just one victory away from reaching the biggest match of the tournament.