Mozambique’s U-17 national football team secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup tonight, beating Ethiopia 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco-2026 play-off played at Terrain 8 of the Complexe Mohammed VI in Rabat.
The “Mambinhas” started determined to achieve this unprecedented qualification and created the first chance after 12 minutes, when Mubai met a Steys cross with a header, comfortably saved by Ethiopian goalkeeper Temesgen Tadesse.
Despite the strong Mozambican start, it was Ethiopia who opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Zé Amir Muzemil, finishing off a move built through the middle.
Trailing, the national side reacted and searched for an equaliser before the break. Diego Pelembe on 27 minutes and Júlio on 42 both tried their luck, but their shots went wide of Tadesse’s goal.
After the restart, Ethiopia came close to doubling their lead. On 52 minutes Biruk pounced on a loose ball and struck hard with his left foot, forcing João into a decisive save for a corner.
Mozambican persistence paid off in the 55th minute. Nhampule Jr. found Diego Pelembe inside the box and the “Mambinhas” captain made no mistake, levelling the score and reigniting the match.
The draw held until the final whistle, taking the tie to penalties, where Mozambique showed greater composure to win 5-4 and book their place at the U-17 World Cup in Qatar 2026. João Jofrisse was the unlikely hero, saving one of Ethiopia’s spot-kicks.
At the World Cup, to be held in Qatar this coming November, Mozambique will play in Group “B” alongside Ecuador, New Caledonia and the Republic of Korea.