Four massive clashes to decide U17 AFCON semi-finalists

The quarter-final line-up for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed, with four decisive matches scheduled for Sunday in Morocco as the continent’s best young teams battle for a place in the semi-finals.

After a fiercely contested group stage, Tanzania, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast and Egypt remain in the competition.

Each side now stands just one victory away from the last four of the tournament.

The knockout phase begins with Tanzania taking on Algeria in one of the most closely watched fixtures of the day.

The match is scheduled for 2:00 PM and will open a programme packed with heavyweight encounters between some of Africa’s strongest youth sides.

Algeria reached the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D.

Their campaign included a draw against Ghana and a victory over South Africa before defeat to Senegal in their final group match.

Despite that setback, the young Fennecs secured qualification and also booked their place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Tanzania, meanwhile, have been among the surprise packages of the competition.

The East African side impressed throughout the group stage with commanding victories that secured top spot in Group C before the final round of matches.

The second set of quarter-finals will see hosts Morocco face Cameroon at 5:00 PM.

Morocco head into the encounter carrying the hopes of the home supporters after finishing top of Group A.

The young Atlas Lions gradually built momentum during the group stage.

After opening their campaign with a draw against Tunisia, they went on to defeat Ethiopia and Egypt to secure first place.

Morocco’s squad has attracted attention throughout the tournament because of its technical quality and attacking football.

Their progression to the knockout rounds has reinforced expectations that the host nation could challenge seriously for the title.

Cameroon arrive with a strong record of their own. After suffering defeat in their opening game against Ivory Coast, the young Indomitable Lions responded with victories over Uganda and DR Congo to secure second place in Group B.

The meeting between Morocco and Cameroon is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the quarter-finals, with both nations possessing strong traditions in African youth football.

At the same time, Senegal will face Mali in another major contest at 5:00 PM.

The West African rivals have built reputations as two of the continent’s strongest producers of young talent, adding extra significance to the encounter.

Senegal secured qualification by finishing top of Group D after defeating Algeria in their final group match.

Earlier in the tournament, they recovered from defeat against South Africa by overcoming Ghana in a crucial fixture.

Mali also had to fight hard to reach the knockout stage.

After opening the tournament with consecutive draws against Angola and Mozambique, they eventually secured qualification by defeating Tanzania in their final group match.

The clash between Senegal and Mali therefore promises a tactical and physical battle between two teams familiar with the pressure of youth international competitions.

The final quarter-final of the day will pit Ivory Coast against Egypt at 8:00 PM.

Ivory Coast finished unbeaten in Group B and have looked among the most balanced teams in the tournament.

The Ivorians opened with victories over Cameroon and DR Congo before drawing against Uganda to secure first place in their group.

Their consistency has made them one of the favourites to reach the final stages of the competition.

Egypt, meanwhile, progressed from Group A after finishing second behind Morocco.

The young Pharaohs began with a draw against Ethiopia before defeating Tunisia and narrowly losing to the hosts in their final group match.

Their qualification ensured Egypt returned to the knockout rounds for the first time in several years, adding further importance to Sunday’s meeting with Ivory Coast.

The U17 AFCON has already produced dramatic moments, surprise results and impressive individual performances during the group phase.

With World Cup qualification already secured for the quarter-finalists, attention now turns fully toward the race for continental glory.

Sunday’s fixtures will determine the four nations that continue their journey toward the title.

As the tournament enters its decisive stage, expectations continue to rise across Africa for another day of intense youth football in Morocco.

Quarter-final schedule

• Tanzania U17 vs Algeria U17 – 2:00 PM
• Morocco U17 vs Cameroon U17 – 5:00 PM
• Senegal U17 vs Mali U17 – 5:00 PM
• Ivory Coast U17 vs Egypt U17 – 8:00 PM