Egypt U17 lost 2-1 to Morocco in the final round of the group stage of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, currently held in Morocco, in a match full of twists both on the pitch and in the group standings.

Despite the defeat, Egypt secured qualification to the quarter-finals and the U-17 World Cup, thanks to a decisive goal scored by Ziad Saoudi that directly affected the group standings and secured second place for the Young Pharaohs.

A Strong Moroccan Start And A Late Egyptian Response

Morocco started the match with high intensity and clear attacking pressure, which paid off early when Mohamed Amine Moustach opened the scoring in the 18th minute after a well-worked move that exposed gaps in the Egyptian defense.

Just before half-time, Morocco doubled their lead in stoppage time through Imran Talai, sending the hosts into the break with a 2-0 advantage.

But the real turning point came in the 49th minute, when Ziad Saoudi pulled one back for Egypt after an assist from Mohamed El Sayed. The goal came in spectacular fashion, as Saoudi produced a stunning bicycle kick that brought Egypt back into the match and gave them a goal that was not only beautiful, but decisive in the qualification calculations.

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Despite sustained Egyptian pressure after the goal, Morocco’s defense held firm until the final whistle, ending the match 2-1.

Ziad Saoudi’s Goal Secures Second Place For Egypt

Although Egypt lost the match, Ziad Saoudi’s goal proved to be the decisive moment in the qualification picture, giving Egypt the crucial edge in the group calculations.

Egypt finished level with Ethiopia on goal difference, but moved ahead on goals scored, with Saoudi’s goal securing second place behind Morocco in Group A and confirming qualification to the quarter-finals and the U-17 World Cup.

Morocco finished top of the group with 7 points, while Egypt came second with 4 points, edging out Ethiopia on goals scored.

Egypt now prepare for a tough quarter-final clash against Côte d’Ivoire on May 24, in a major test for a young generation aiming to continue their continental and global journey despite a difficult start.