Senegal were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s final at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.
The Young Lions of Teranga showed their trademark resilience, recovering from an early setback before holding their nerve in the shootout to secure a second continental title at U-17 level.
Tanzania, appearing in their first-ever CAF U-17 AFCON final, stunned the defending champions in the seventh minute when Hamis Chenga won possession in midfield, drove forward and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that beat the Senegal goalkeeper.
The early goal rewarded Tanzania’s fearless approach and put the East Africans on course for a historic upset.
Senegal responded by increasing the pressure and creating several opportunities before halftime. Ibrahima Sow nearly equalized in the 22nd minute with a well-placed header, but Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi produced an excellent save to preserve his side’s lead.
The Serengeti Boys entered the break ahead after another disciplined defensive display, continuing the form that had carried them through penalty-shootout victories over Algeria and Egypt in the knockout rounds.
Senegal emerged stronger in the second half and gradually took control of possession and territory. Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Souleymane Commissaire Faye delivered a dangerous free kick that Abdullahi failed to hold. Ibrahima Dione reacted quickest to the loose ball, tapping home from close range to level the score.
The equalizer shifted momentum toward Senegal, who pushed for a winner as Tanzania dug deep to remain organized and compact at the back.
Both teams searched for a decisive breakthrough in a tense closing period, but neither could find the winning goal. Tanzania thought they might have earned a late penalty in stoppage time after a challenge involving Thierno Sow, but following a VAR review, the referee waved away the appeals.
With the sides still level after 90 minutes, the championship was decided from the penalty spot.
Senegal once again demonstrated their composure under pressure. Souleymane Commissaire Faye, Sadio, Ibrahima Dione and Thior all converted their penalties. Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi, but Kilendemo and Mbegu failed to convert, allowing Senegal to seal a 4-2 shootout victory.
The triumph capped a remarkable campaign for coach Lamine Sané’s side, who overcame several difficult moments throughout the tournament. Senegal survived a dramatic quarterfinal against Mali, eliminated hosts Morocco in the semifinals and then battled back from an early deficit to defeat Tanzania in the final.
Their latest title further highlights the strength of Senegal’s youth development system, which continues to produce some of Africa’s most competitive young footballers.
For Tanzania, the defeat was heartbreaking but did little to diminish a historic tournament. The Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time, qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and delivered one of East African football’s most memorable youth campaigns.
As the celebrations began in Rabat, it was Senegal who stood tallest once again, overcoming adversity and penalty drama to lift the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 trophy.
