Senegal were crowned champions of the 2026 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a closely contested final at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.
The Young Lions of Teranga showed their experience and composure from the spot to secure a second continental title at this level, denying Tanzania what would have been a historic first U17 AFCON triumph.
The final appeared to be heading in Tanzania's direction after an impressive start from the East Africans.
Having already captured the attention of the continent with a remarkable run to their first-ever final, the Serengeti Boys struck early through Hamis Chenga. The midfielder won possession in the middle of the park before driving forward and firing a low effort beyond the Senegal goalkeeper in the seventh minute.
The goal stunned the favourites and gave Tanzania exactly the start they had hoped for.
For much of the opening half, Tanzania defended with discipline and organisation, frustrating a Senegal side that had entered the final as one of the tournament favourites. Goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi was called into action midway through the half, producing an important save to deny Ibrahima Sow's header and preserve his side's advantage.
Senegal continued to dominate possession and territory but struggled to break down Tanzania's resilient defensive structure before the interval.
The momentum began to shift after the restart as Senegal increased the tempo and pushed more players forward in search of an equaliser.
Senegal vs Tanzania in action at the finals. (Photo: CAF)
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 64th minute. Souleymane Commissaire Faye delivered a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, and although Abdullahi managed to get a hand to the ball, he could only push it into the path of Ibrahima Dione, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range.
The equaliser gave Senegal renewed belief and forced Tanzania to spend longer periods without the ball.
Despite the pressure, the Serengeti Boys refused to buckle. They remained compact defensively and continued to look dangerous on the counterattack whenever opportunities arose.
The match produced further drama deep into stoppage time when Tanzania appealed for a penalty following a challenge inside the box. After consulting VAR, the referee waved play on, ensuring the final would be decided by a penalty shootout.
It was a scenario Senegal had already experienced twice during the tournament.
The West Africans had survived penalty shootouts against Mali in the quarter-finals and hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, and that experience proved decisive once again.
Souleymane Commissaire Faye, Sadio, Ibrahima Dione and Thior all converted their spot kicks for Senegal. Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi, but misses from Kilendemo and Mbegu handed the advantage to their opponents.
When the winning penalty was converted, Senegal's players erupted in celebration as they completed another successful chapter in the country's growing youth football story.
The title was a reward for a team that repeatedly demonstrated resilience throughout the competition, overcoming difficult moments in the knockout rounds before finishing the job in the final.
For Tanzania, the defeat was painful but did little to diminish what has been a landmark tournament. The Serengeti Boys reached their first U17 AFCON final, qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup and delivered one of the finest performances by an East African side in the competition's history.
Their campaign may have ended one step short of the trophy, but it signalled the emergence of a generation capable of competing with Africa's traditional football powers.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google