U-17 AFCON: Egypt held by Ethiopia in underwhelming draw

The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) kicked off in Morocco on Wednesday with Egypt and Ethiopia playing to a 0-0 draw to begin action in Group A.

The result was a success for Ethiopia, who have lower expectations and will be delighted with a point to start in their first appearance at the competition since 2003.

The East Africa representatives almost took a shock lead in the 8th minute. Captain and central defender Tinsae Mengistu sent an innocuous free kick into the Egyptian penalty area and the ball bounced over Malek Amr before going off the post and dancing along with goal line before Amr picked up.

Egypt began to assert themselves a bit as the first half went on but failed to show signs of quality. Captain Ahmed Safwat snuck in to win the ball close to the Ethiopian penalty area in the 40th minute but the Zamalek midfielder put his effort over the bar.

The second half featured more stoppages due to video review situations than action. Ethiopia keeper Tadesse Temesgen produced the best save of the match in the final stretch with a kick save from a deflected effort but the full time whistle arrived without anything to separate the teams.

FULL-TIME! 🇪🇬🇪🇹

It ends goalless between Egypt and Ethiopia in their #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 opener. pic.twitter.com/fRbYdafKlc

— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) May 13, 2026

The Young Pharaohs will next face Tunisia while Ethiopia clash with hosts Morocco, with both Group A matches taking place on Saturday.