Morocco beats Egypt 2-0 in Ismailia and secures its ticket for the 2027 U20 AFCON in Ghana

The young Atlas Lion Cubs beat Egypt 2-0 on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, and qualified for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana. Morocco made the difference in the first half: Adam Baallal opened the scoring in the 25th minute, and Sami Bouhoudane doubled the lead in the 33rd, according to MAP Sport and Hespress.

Qualification secured on the opponent's turf

The scenario had all the makings of a trap. Egypt was the host, led the Union of North African Football (UNAF) qualifying tournament before this fourth matchday, and was playing in front of its home crowd. The Moroccans left Ismailia with all three points and the certainty of heading to Ghana: with 7 points, they can no longer be caught for first place, according to MAP Sport.

The UNAF zone only has two tickets for the continental final phase, which will be contested by twelve nations. The first one is therefore Moroccan. The second will be decided in the coming days between Egypt (6 points) and Algeria (4 points), who face each other on October 6, 2026, in a do-or-die match: according to Afrik.com, a victory would send Algeria to Ghana, while a draw would be enough for the Pharaohs.

Tunisia eliminated, Libya plays the spoiler

On the same day, Tunisia and Libya drew 1-1, with Dhirar Brik opening the scoring before an equalizer from Moussa Ibrahim, reports Afrik.com. This point was not enough for the Young Eagles of Carthage, who did not win a single match in the tournament and are eliminated from the race with 3 points. It is a disappointing exit for a country that has long been one of the primary sources of talent in Maghreb football.

Morocco, for its part, will close out this tournament against Libya on October 6, 2026, with no pressure on its shoulders. This qualification confirms the development work undertaken for several years by the Moroccan federation, whose youth categories now regularly top continental and global podiums.

Heading to Ghana

The U20 AFCON remains the major event for the continent's rising stars: it is where scouts identify the players who, three or four years later, will lead the senior national teams and the most ambitious clubs on the continent and beyond. By hosting the final phase, Ghana, a four-time winner of the event, will bring one of West Africa's strongest football development traditions back to the center stage.

For Morocco, the objective is now clear: to turn a qualification earned away from home into a successful campaign on footballing soil where the fans will offer no gifts.