Morocco tightened their grip on top spot in the UNAF qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), extending their winning run in Benghazi with a hard-fought victory over Egypt.

The preliminary tournament, hosted in Benghazi, is a huge moment for Libyan football, the first time the country has staged a Zonal Union qualifier.

Although already assured of qualification as hosts of the continental finals, Morocco U-17 have continued to set the pace. 

They made it three wins from three with a 2–1 success against Egypt U-17 at the Military Union Stadium.

Rami Loukmani opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Alaa Adel drew Egypt level shortly before the break. 

Thereafter, the decisive moment arrived six minutes from time when Adnane Boujouffi struck the winner, earning the Man of the Match award.

The result leaves Morocco on nine points at the summit as Egypt remain on three points from two matches and sit third on goal difference, behind Algeria U-17, who were not in action on the day.

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Earlier, Tunisia U-17 claimed their first win of the campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory over Libya U-17 at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium. 

Abderrahmane Bouzouida gave Libya an early lead, but Tunisia responded through Othmane Ben Hssine and a Mohamed Moncef Thabti penalty early in the second half, while Yahya Jelidi was named Man of the Match.

Tunisia now move onto three points, level with Algeria and Egypt but behind both on goal difference. 

Libya, meanwhile, remain bottom after a third straight defeat.

The qualifiers resume on Thursday with Libya facing Egypt, before Tunisia meet Algeria. 

The top two sides in the final standings, excluding the already-qualified Morocco, will book places at the continental finals later this month.

Interestingly, the tournament in Morocco will also serve as qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, with the top 10 teams progressing to the global finals.