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Morocco’s U17 national football team has qualified for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar after securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2026) with a 2-1 victory over Egypt on Tuesday evening at Pitch No. 8 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The Atlas Cubs opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Mohamed Amine Moustache before Imrane Talai doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time (45+1). Egypt pulled one back shortly after the restart through Ziad Saoudi (48th).
From the opening whistle, Tiago Lima Pereira’s side showed determination to impose their rhythm on the game. Their dominance paid off in the 18th minute when Ibrahim Rebbaj delivered a precise pass for Mohamed Amine Moustache, who finished confidently.
Morocco continued to push forward in search of a second goal, while Egypt attempted to work their way back into the match, notably through Ahmed Safouat, whose effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Adam El Maach in the 34th minute.
Two minutes later, the Atlas Cubs nearly doubled their advantage on a quick counterattack, but the Egyptian defence intervened in time. In the 37th minute, Adham Hassib came close to equalizing for Egypt but was denied by the alert El Maach.
Just before half-time, Imrane Talai extended Morocco’s lead, sending his side into the break with a comfortable two-goal advantage. Egypt responded early in the second half when Ziad Saoudi reduced the deficit with a superb acrobatic finish.
Under increasing Egyptian pressure, Morocco adopted a more cautious approach while continuing to threaten on the counterattack, particularly through Ibrahim Rebbaj in the 70th minute and Mohamed Habib in the 80th, though neither managed to add to the scoreline.
With the victory, the Atlas Cubs finish top of Group A with seven points.
The FIFA U17 World Cup will take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.
