By Angu Lesley
The group phase of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 heads into its decisive final round this week, with qualification places still up for grabs across all four pools.
After two rounds of action, Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire have emerged as the standout performers so far, while hosts Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Uganda all head into their final fixtures with important objectives still to achieve.
Beyond the continental title race, the competition also doubles as Africa’s qualification tournament for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. The eight teams that reach the quarter-finals will automatically seal World Cup tickets, while the four sides finishing third in their groups will move into play-offs for the remaining two African places.
In Group A, hosts Morocco and Egypt are tied on four points and face each other in what effectively becomes a showdown for first place. Both nations remain unbeaten, but Morocco will be eager to deliver in front of home fans. Elsewhere, Tunisia and Ethiopia, each sitting on one point, know victory is essential to keep their hopes alive through the third-place qualification route.
Group B is currently controlled by Côte d’Ivoire, who have already collected six points from two matches after impressive victories over Cameroon and DR Congo. The Young Elephants now face Uganda, who sit on three points and could strengthen their knockout chances with a positive result. Cameroon, also on three points, take on winless DR Congo knowing a victory should be enough to secure progression.
Tanzania have been the dominant force in Group C, winning both of their opening matches 3-0 to collect six points while yet to concede a goal. Their final group encounter against Mali promises to be a strong examination of their credentials. Mali, currently on two points, still need a result to avoid slipping into danger. In the other fixture, Angola and Mozambique meet with both sides still searching for a first win and potentially a lifeline through third-place qualification.
Group D remains the tightest and most unpredictable of the competition. Algeria lead the standings with four points and now face defending champions Senegal, who have three points after an inconsistent start. South Africa are also on three points ahead of their clash with Ghana, who sit bottom on one point and must win to preserve realistic hopes of reaching the next round.
With quarter-final places, national pride and World Cup qualification all hanging in the balance, the final round of group matches is set to provide a tense and dramatic finish to the first stage of the tournament.
Final Group Fixtures (Local Time)
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Group A
Morocco vs Egypt – 20h00 – CMVI T8
Tunisia vs Ethiopia – 20h00 – CMVI T11
Group B
Côte d’Ivoire vs Uganda – 17h00 – CMVI T11
Cameroon vs DR Congo – 17h00 – CMVI T3
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Group C
Mali vs Tanzania – 17h00 – CMVI T8
Angola vs Mozambique – 17h00 – CMVI T11
Group D
Senegal vs Algeria – 20h00 – CMVI T11
South Africa vs Ghana – 20h00 – CMVI T3
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