Senegal Win CAF U-17 AFCON Championship After Shootout Against Tanzania

Senegal have been crowned champions of the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after beating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final in Rabat.

The Young Lions of Teranga had to come from behind at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium after Tanzania stunned them with an early goal through Hamis Chenga in the seventh minute.

Ibrahima Dione equalised for Senegal in the 64th minute, turning in from close range after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.

With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the final was decided by penalties, where Senegal showed greater composure to claim another continental title at this level.

Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted for Senegal in the shootout, while Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi but saw Kilendemo and Mbegu miss their attempts.

The victory secured Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and further underlined the strength of the country’s youth football development system.

For Tanzania, defeat brought a painful end to a historic campaign in which the Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time and gave East African football one of its proudest moments at continental youth level.

The shootout victory completed a demanding campaign for Senegal, who recovered from difficult moments throughout the tournament to finish as African champions.

They had survived a dramatic quarter-final against Mali, eliminated hosts Morocco in the semi-finals and then overcame a determined Tanzania side in the final.