The El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia will be the stage for a highly anticipated showdown on Tuesday evening as hosts Morocco face Côte d’Ivoire in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
This match rekindles memories of their last U17 AFCON semi-final encounter in 2013, where Côte d’Ivoire edged Morocco 2-1—also on Moroccan soil. The Ivorians have a strong record against host nations, having won two of their three past encounters, including a thumping 7-0 win over Botswana in 1999.
Morocco are making their third semi-final appearance following runs in 2013 and 2023. This year’s tournament marks the second time they’ve reached this stage as hosts. After finishing as runners-up in 2023, the Atlas Cubs are looking to become only the second team to reach back-to-back U17 finals, following in the footsteps of Mali (2015 and 2017).
The Moroccans have impressed on both ends of the pitch. They’ve scored 11 goals so far—their highest tally in a single tournament—and conceded just once, boasting the best defensive record among the semi-finalists. Their quarter-final performance was especially dominant, defeating South Africa 3-1.
Striker Ziyad Baha has led the charge with four goals, matching the record set by Younes Bnou Marzouk in 2013. Teammate Abdellah Ouazane, who has scored twice, is one goal away from matching his older brother Zakaria’s tally from last year’s competition.
Côte d’Ivoire are back in the semi-finals for the fourth time, having previously reached this stage in 2005, 2011, and 2013. Their current campaign has been impressive, with a 6-1 win over Central African Republic, a draw with Angola, and a thrilling 4-2 victory over Mali in the group stage. They edged out reigning champions Senegal in the quarter-finals, winning 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw.
The Ivorians know what it takes to succeed against hosts—having defeated Morocco in the 2013 semi-finals en route to lifting the trophy. They’ll hope history repeats itself as they chase a second continental crown.
Star forward Alynho Haidara has been instrumental, netting six goals with remarkable efficiency. His 57.1% shooting accuracy is among the best in the tournament, just behind Burkina Faso’s Asharaf Tapsoba.
This fixture is more than just a semi-final—it’s a battle of legacy, pride, and ambition. For Morocco, it’s a chance to become the fifth host nation to reach the U17 AFCON final. For Côte d’Ivoire, it’s an opportunity to revive the glory of their 2013 triumph and prove they remain a powerhouse in African youth football.
As the teams prepare for battle, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two proud footballing nations with rich traditions and bright futures.
