CAIRO — A new generation of Egyptian footballers has made history. They won the bronze medal at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. It is the country’s first medal in the competition in 29 years. The last came in 1997, when they lifted the title. The achievement also secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.
For nearly three decades, Egyptian youth football had been waiting for a moment like this. In Morocco, that breakthrough finally arrived.
The Young Pharaohs left North Africa with a landmark triumph: their first medal at this level in 29 years and the country’s second-best finish in the tournament’s history, behind only the title-winning side of 1997.
Memorable campaign
The bronze medal was sealed with a confident and deserved 2-0 victory over hosts Morocco in the third-place play-off.
Defender Mohamed El-Sayed got things rolling in the 33rd minute with the opening goal, before midfielder Ahmed Bashir wrapped up the win with a strike deep into stoppage time. Egypt signed off in style against the defending champions on their own turf.
The result was about more than just a medal. The Young Pharaohs had already secured their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, set for November 19 to December 13, 2026. The bronze simply added the finishing touch to a memorable campaign.
There was disappointment at missing out on the final after a narrow penalty shootout defeat to Tanzania in the semi-finals, but head coach Hussain Abdel Latif was keen to focus on the bigger picture.
The coach said the team had achieved the objectives set before the tournament. Qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup was the primary target. Once that was secured, the focus turned to winning a medal.
Egypt’s only previous medal at this level came in 1997, when the nation lifted the continental title. Nearly three decades later, this bronze represents a symbolic return to prominence in African youth football.
More than a medal
For Egyptian Football Association board member and delegation chief Walid Darwish, the achievement extends beyond silverware.
He praised the unity and discipline shown by the players and coaching staff throughout a tough campaign.
While reaching the final had always been the ambition, Darwish described the bronze medal as an important milestone in a broader development plan aimed at strengthening Egypt’s youth structure.
Now, the focus shifts to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. This emerging group will test themselves on an even bigger stage.
The Young Pharaohs opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Ethiopia before claiming a crucial 2-1 win over Tunisia. A defeat to Morocco in the group stage was a setback, but it did little to dent their confidence.
The turning point came in the quarter-final against Côte d’Ivoire. Egypt produced one of their strongest performances of the tournament, securing a 4-1 victory to book their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup and reach the semi-finals.
A heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Tanzania cut their title hopes short. Egypt, however, bounced back with a disciplined and determined performance to defeat Morocco and secure third place.
Rising future
For Egyptian football, this achievement is about far more than a bronze medal. It signals the rise of a new generation and the foundations for the future beginning to take shape.
The Young Pharaohs ended a 29-year wait for a place on the continental podium. Throughout the tournament, they showed resilience and delivered when it mattered most.
After qualifying for the World Cup, these young players will compete on a bigger stage.
Their journey is only beginning, but Morocco could be remembered as the place where a new chapter began.
