Senegal were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after beating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s final in Rabat.
The Young Lions of Teranga had to come from behind at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco after Tanzania stunned them with an early goal through Hamis Chenga in the seventh minute.
Ibrahima Dione equalised for Senegal in the 64th minute, turning in from close range after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the final was decided by penalties, where Senegal showed greater composure to claim another continental title at this level.
Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted for Senegal in the shootout, while Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi but saw Kilendemo and Mbegu miss their attempts.
The victory secured Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and further underlined the strength of the country’s youth football development system.
For Tanzania, defeat brought a painful end to a historic campaign in which the Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time and gave East African football one of its proudest moments at continental youth level.
The Serengeti Boys leave Morocco 2026 having reached their first final, qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and shown that East African football can compete with the continent’s strongest youth sides.
But the night belonged to Senegal.
After a final of tension, recovery and penalty drama, the Young Lions of Teranga stood tallest to claim the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 title.
CAF online.com
