TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026 — Senegal have been crowned champions after a dramatic 4–2 penalty shootout victory over Tanzania following a 1–1 draw in Tuesday’s final played in Rabat.
The Young Lions of Teranga, representing Senegal national football team at youth level, had to come from behind at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium after Tanzania stunned them early in the match. Hamis Chenga struck in the 7th minute to give the East Africans a shock lead, rewarding their bright and disciplined start.
Senegal gradually grew into the contest and found their equaliser in the 64th minute through Ibrahima Dione, who reacted quickest to turn home from close range after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a powerful free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.
With both sides unable to find a winner in regulation time, the final moved to penalties — where Senegal’s composure proved decisive once again. Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted confidently for the West Africans, while Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi but suffered heartbreak as Kilendemo and Mbegu missed their spot-kicks.
The result secured Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title, further reinforcing the strength and consistency of their youth development system. For Tanzania national football team, however, it was a painful but historic campaign, as the Serengeti Boys reached their first-ever final and earned admiration for their remarkable run.
The match itself was tightly contested from the start. Mouhamed Wagne created early danger for Senegal within the opening minute, but it was Tanzania who struck first through Chenga, who drove forward from midfield before firing a precise finish from the edge of the box.
Senegal responded with sustained pressure, with Ibrahima Sow coming close in the 22nd minute, only to be denied by a fine save from Abdullahi. Tanzania held firm, maintaining their shape and discipline to take a surprise lead into halftime, having already demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament.
After the break, Senegal increased their intensity, with Commissaire Faye, Sega Fall Mbodji, and Lamine Mbengue all testing the Tanzanian defence. Their pressure eventually told when Faye’s dangerous free-kick was parried into Dione’s path for the equaliser.
The final quarter saw Senegal dominate possession, but Tanzania’s defensive organisation ensured the game remained level. In stoppage time, Tanzania appealed for a penalty after a challenge involving Thierno Sow, but a VAR review ruled against awarding a spot-kick — sending the final to penalties.
Senegal, who had already survived shootouts against Mali and Morocco earlier in the tournament, once again demonstrated their nerve from the spot to secure victory. Their triumph capped a demanding campaign that included a dramatic quarter-final win over Mali and a semi-final victory against hosts Morocco.
For coach Lamine Sané’s side, the victory was built on resilience, tactical discipline, and mental strength in high-pressure moments.
Despite defeat, Tanzania leave Morocco with pride after a breakthrough tournament that saw them reach their first continental final and secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup — marking a major milestone for East African football.
But in the end, it was Senegal who stood tallest in Rabat, lifting the trophy after a night defined by tension, resilience, and penalty drama.
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