Defending champions Senegal showed the continent why they are one of Africa’s leading youth football nations, defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
The Young Lions of Teranga had to come from behind after Tanzania’s Hamis Chenga opened the scoring in the seventh minute, but Ibrahima Dione restored parity in the second half before Senegal prevailed in the shootout.
The victory was a testament of a remarkable tournament campaign. Senegal topped their group before navigating a difficult knockout phase that saw them eliminate Mali in the quarter-finals and hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi-final decided by penalties. Senegal loses AFCON title as Morocco declared winner
Goalkeeper Assane Sarr emerged as one of the heroes of the tournament, particularly in the victory over Morocco, where his saves helped send Senegal into the final.
All three of their knockout matches were fiercely contested, with the team showing resilience and mental strength whenever they faced adversity. Against Tanzania, they responded quickly after conceding early, dominated large spells of the game, and remained flawless from the penalty spot when the title was on the line.
The title further strengthens Senegal’s reputation as a powerhouse in African youth football. Over the past few years, the country has enjoyed success at senior and youth levels, thanks to a strong player development system that continues to produce talented footballers.