Senegal were crowned champions of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s final at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, Trybal News reports.
The Young Lions of Teranga showed remarkable resilience to recover from an early setback before holding their nerve in the shootout to secure their second continental title at U-17 level.
Tanzania, appearing in their first-ever 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 box to hand the Serengeti Boys an early lead.
The East Africans, who had already eliminated both Algeria and Egypt via penalty shootouts during the knockout stages, displayed the same discipline and organisation that had defined their historic campaign.
Senegal dominated possession for large periods and pushed relentlessly for an equaliser. Ibrahima Sow came close midway through the first half, but Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi produced an excellent save to preserve his side’s advantage heading into the break.
The defending champions emerged with greater intensity after halftime and eventually found the breakthrough in the 64th minute. A dangerous free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye was spilled by Abdullahi, allowing Ibrahima Dione to react quickest and convert from close range to level the scores.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour, but Tanzania continued to defend resolutely while posing a threat on the counterattack.
Both sides searched for a winner in a tense closing period, with Tanzania appealing for a penalty deep into stoppage time following a challenge involving Thierno Sow. However, after a VAR review, the referee waved away the appeals, sending the final to a penalty shootout.
Having already survived shootout tests against Mali and hosts Morocco earlier in the competition, Senegal once again demonstrated their composure from the spot.
Souleymane Commissaire Faye, Sadio, Ibrahima Dione and Thior all converted their penalties for Senegal, while Tanzania managed successful efforts through Usuph and Mbegelendi. However, misses from Kilendemo and Mbegu proved costly as Senegal sealed a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
The triumph capped another impressive campaign for coach Lamine Sané’s side, who overcame several difficult moments throughout the tournament before lifting the trophy. Their route to the title included a dramatic quarter-final victory over Mali, a semi-final win against hosts Morocco and a tense final against a determined Tanzanian side.
For Tanzania, defeat could not overshadow a historic tournament. The Serengeti Boys reached their first-ever U-17 AFCON final, qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and showcased the growing strength of East African football on the continental stage.
While Tanzania earned widespread admiration for their performances, the night ultimately belonged to Senegal, whose resilience, tactical discipline and calmness under pressure once again proved decisive as they emerged champions of Africa.
