Morocco U17 and Ethiopia U17 meet in the second Group A match of the 2026 U-17 AFCON, with both sides already under pressure to secure early points in the tournament.
Morocco, the hosts and one of the pre-tournament favourites, will be looking to assert their dominance at home and build on their strong youth pedigree, while Ethiopia aim to frustrate and spring a surprise with a disciplined, compact approach.
The Moroccans are expected to control possession and dictate tempo, relying on their technically gifted midfield and quick wide play to break down Ethiopia’s defence.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, are likely to stay organised and play on the counter, hoping to exploit any gaps left by the attacking hosts.
With Group A still wide open, Morocco will see this as a must-win to strengthen their qualification push, while Ethiopia will be targeting at least a point to keep their hopes alive in a tough group.
Here is how both teams line up
Morocco Starting XI
EL MAACH (GK)- TAHRI-SOUDI- ZINBI -BENTALEB- EL AOUD (C)- IBN SALAH-HADIDI- ELLAKY- RABBAJ- MOUSTACHE
Ethiopia Starting XI
TADESSE (GK)- LUNCHORO- ASEFA- TEWOLDE- YIRDAW-TEARE (C)-MUZEMIL-ABENEZER-EFISON KINDO-CHERINET GALDA-BIRUK TEGEGN
