Senegal Overcome Tanzania in Shootout Drama to Lift U-17 AFCON Trophy
Senegal were crowned champions of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a gripping 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s final at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.
The Young Lions of Teranga showed remarkable character to recover from an early setback and successfully defend their continental crown, while Tanzania’s dream run ended in heartbreak despite another spirited performance from the tournament’s surprise package.
Tanzania stunned the defending champions just seven minutes into the contest when Hamis Chenga capitalized on a midfield turnover before driving forward and unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box that beat the Senegal goalkeeper.
The early goal energized the Serengeti Boys, who displayed the same organization and discipline that had carried them through the knockout stages. Senegal, however, gradually grew into the match and began to dominate possession.
Their first major opportunity arrived in the 22nd minute when Ibrahima Sow rose highest to meet a cross from Thierno Sow, but Tanzanian goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi produced an excellent save to preserve his side’s advantage.
Despite sustained pressure from Senegal, Tanzania held firm and went into halftime with their slender lead intact.
After the break, coach Lamine Sané’s side emerged with greater urgency. Souleymane Commissaire Faye tested Abdullahi from distance, while Sega Fall Mbodji and Lamine Mbengue repeatedly threatened as Senegal pushed for an equalizer.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 64th minute. Faye’s dangerous free-kick caused problems for Abdullahi, who could only parry the ball into a crowded area. Ibrahima Dione reacted quickest, tapping home from close range to bring Senegal level and swing momentum in their favour.
The equalizer transformed the contest, with Senegal looking increasingly dangerous as they searched for a winner. Tanzania, however, refused to buckle under pressure and continued to defend resolutely while looking to strike on the counterattack.
Both sides created moments of tension in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough. Deep into stoppage time, Tanzania appealed for a penalty following a challenge involving Thierno Sow, but after consulting VAR, the referee waved away the claims.
With the deadlock unresolved, the title was decided from the penalty spot.
Senegal once again demonstrated their composure in high-pressure situations. Souleymane Commissaire Faye, Sadio, Ibrahima Dione and Thior all converted their penalties with confidence. Tanzania responded through Usuph and Mbegelendi, but misses from Kilendemo and Mbegu proved costly.
The shootout victory secured Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and reinforced the country’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading producers of young football talent.
For Tanzania, defeat could not overshadow a historic tournament. The Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time, qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and showcased the rapid progress of East African football on the continental stage.
Senegal’s path to the trophy was anything but straightforward. They survived a dramatic quarter-final against Mali, eliminated hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, and finally overcame a determined Tanzanian side in a tense and hard-fought final.
In the end, resilience, experience and nerve from the penalty spot made the difference as Senegal stood tall once again, lifting the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations trophy and cementing their status as the kings of African youth football.
