In one of the most dramatic moments of the 2026 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations group stage, Ethiopia produced a stunning late winner to defeat Tunisia 1-0, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive and sending shockwaves through Group A.

The decisive moment came from Amir Misbah, whose header in the third minute of second-half stoppage time broke Tunisian resistance and sparked wild celebrations. It was a fitting climax to a tense, finely balanced contest where a single mistake threatened elimination — and Ethiopia, coached by American Benjamin Zimmer, showed the greater composure when it mattered most.

The win carries historic weight. Ethiopia are making their first appearance at the U-17 tournament since 2003, and Misbah's goal keeps alive the prospect of the Red Foxes reaching their first-ever U-17 World Cup. Though eliminated from the AFCON itself, Ethiopia have secured a place in the World Cup Playoffs — a remarkable achievement for a side absent from this stage for over two decades.

Elsewhere in Group A, hosts Morocco defeated Egypt 2-1 to finish the group stage unbeaten on 7 points. Mohamed Moustache and Imran Talai struck before halftime to carry the Atlas Lion Cubs, with Egypt pulling one back but unable to complete a comeback. Both Morocco and Egypt advance to the quarter-finals and have formally qualified for the 2026 U-17 FIFA World Cup.

The final Group A standings leave Morocco top with 7 points, Egypt second with 4, Ethiopia third with 4 on goal difference, and Tunisia bottom with just 1 point — a painful exit for a side that came into the tournament among the continent's more established youth football nations.

The 2026 U-17 AFCON runs in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, featuring 16 nations competing for the continental crown and World Cup berths. Morocco are the defending champions, having claimed their first-ever U-17 AFCON title in 2025. Ethiopia's fairytale run, capped by a last-gasp winner, is fast becoming one of the stories of the tournament.