Hosts Morocco will battle Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals of the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Tuesday night (20:00 local time; 19:00 GMT), in a fixture loaded with history and high stakes.

This encounter marks the second time the two sides meet at this stage of the U17 AFCON, with the previous clash also taking place in Morocco in 2013. On that occasion, Cote d’Ivoire edged the hosts 2-1 to reach the final, eventually lifting the trophy after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Nigeria.

Morocco’s semi-final pedigree and home advantage

Morocco are making their third appearance in the U17 AFCON semi-finals, having previously reached this stage in 2013 and 2023. Notably, all their last-four appearances have come in North African-hosted tournaments, and this is the second time they are semi-finalists as hosts. The Atlas Cubs are aiming to reach back-to-back finals, a feat last achieved by Mali in 2015 and 2017.

Defensively solid, Morocco have conceded just one goal in four matches—fewer than any other semi-finalist—and have netted 11 times, their highest tally in a single edition. Ziyad Baha leads their scoring charts with four goals, while Abdellah Ouazane has two and is chasing a family milestone set by his brother Zakaria in 2023.

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Ivory Coast’s history against hosts and semi-final record

Cote d’Ivoire are in their fourth U17 AFCON semi-final, with previous appearances in 2005, 2011, and 2013. Their record against host nations is strong: in three previous meetings, they have won twice including the 7-0 group stage win over Botswana in 1999 and the 2013 semi-final victory over Morocco and lost once to Rwanda in 2011.

The Ivoirians have scored 10 goals at these finals, their best-ever tally, and have shown resilience, notably eliminating defending champions Senegal on penalties in the quarter-finals. Alynho Haidara has been their standout performer, scoring six goals with a 57.1% shooting accuracy, making him the tournament’s second-highest scorer.

Morocco are seeking to become the fifth host nation to reach the U17 AFCON final, while Cote d’Ivoire aim to repeat their 2013 triumph on Moroccan soil. Both teams bring attacking flair and defensive discipline, setting the stage for a compelling semi-final with a place in the final and a shot at continental glory on the line.

Written by Samson Jura, TV47