U-17 AFCON: Morocco come back to draw Ethiopia; Ivory Coast score late against DRC

Ivory Coast became the first African nation to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup while Ethiopia conceded a late goal against hosts Morocco in a heartbreaking defeat to finish up Saturday’s action from the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON).

An excellent effort from Ethiopia, heavy underdogs to advance from the group stage, was spoiled by a second half rally from the hosts. Mohamed Moustache equalized early in the second half and Imran Talai’s header in stoppage time confirmed victory for the Atlas Cubs, who fell behind in the first half.

Ethiopia opened the scoring from an effective counter-attack through Dawit Kassaw but it was not enough to help them hold on. The hosts join Egypt at the top of Group A and will face the Young Pharaohs on the final matchday Tuesday, while Ethiopia will face Tunisia needing a victory to remain in contention to qualify for the U-17 World Cup.

Two U-17 AFCON victories confirm World Cup place for Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, are officially qualified for the World Cup later this year in Qatar. A late penalty kick, earned under controversial circumstances, was converted by Harafat Diabaté in second half stoppage time to give Les Éléphanteaux a massive victory.

The foul that resulted in the penalty kick appeared to be flimsy at best following an assisted VAR review, but the Young Elephants will have no complaints after the penalty secured two victories from two matches. After defeating Cameroon in their opening match, they are guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals and subsequently, a qualification ticket to the World Cup finals.

FULL-TIME! 🇨🇩🇨🇮

Côte d’Ivoire win it late. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/KXxcxdi5ba

— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) May 16, 2026