Senegal’s remarkable rise as one of Africa’s dominant football nations continued on Tuesday after the Young Lions of Teranga were crowned champions of the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026 on Tuesday.
The West Africans defeated Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the dramatic final in Rabat to claim their second U-17 AFCON title.
The latest triumph adds to an extraordinary five-year golden era for Senegalese football. During this period, the country has won the senior Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) twice, dominated youth competitions, won the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title and established itself as one of the continent’s most consistent performers on the global stage.
To claim the U-17 AFCON title, 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.
The final started with Senegal showing early intent as man-of-the-match Mouhamed Wagne created danger inside the opening minute. But it was Tanzania who struck first. Hamis Chenga won the ball in midfield, advanced towards the Senegal area and fired home from the edge of the box to give the Serengeti Boys a shock lead after only seven minutes.
Senegal responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but Tanzania remained compact and organised. In the 22nd minute, Ibrahima Sow came close for the Young Lions with a header from a well-delivered cross by Thierno Sow, but Haji produced a fine save to preserve Tanzania’s lead.
After the break, Senegal increased the tempo. Commissaire Faye tested Tanzania from distance in the 48th minute, while Sega Fall Mbodji and Lamine Mbengue also threatened as the Young Lions began to dominate possession and territory.
The pressure finally paid off in the 64th minute when Faye delivered a dangerous free-kick that Haji could only parry, allowing Dione to react quickest and tap home the equaliser. The goal shifted momentum towards Senegal, who looked the more dangerous side in the closing stages.
Tanzania, however, refused to collapse. They defended with discipline, stayed compact and continued searching for chances on the counterattack. In stoppage time, Tanzania appealed for a penalty after a challenge involving Thierno Sow, but after a VAR review, the referee waved play on.
That decision ensured the final would be settled by penalties. Senegal, who had already survived shootouts against Mali and hosts Morocco earlier in the knockout stage, once again showed composure under pressure. Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior all converted flawlessly from the spot for Senegal, while Tanzania saw two attempts falter to hand the West Africans the victory.
The victory secured Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title (first was in 2023) and further underlined the country’s emergence as one of Africa’s strongest football powers across both youth and senior competitions.
For Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys, the defeat brought an end to a historic campaign in which the Serengeti Boys reached the continental final for the first time¸ qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and gave East African football one of its proudest moments at continental youth level. Tanzania’s Issa Chole was also named Man of the Competition.
The triumph continues an extraordinary era for Senegalese football. Senegal won the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon after defeating Egypt on penalties to secure the country’s first-ever senior AFCON title, as well as AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
The Teranga Lions also reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, confirming their growing status among world football’s most competitive African sides.
At youth level, Senegal have emerged as one of Africa’s most successful football nations in recent years, winning the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and producing strong performances at FIFA youth tournaments. The U-17 team has qualified twice for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, reaching the Round of 16 in both 2019 and 2023.
Senegal also won the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN), highlighting the country’s impressive depth across both domestic and international football.
Senegalese clubs and players have also continued to compete strongly in continental and European competitions, with stars such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy helping raise the country’s global football profile over the last decade.
For coach Lamine Sané’s side, the latest triumph was built on resilience, tactical discipline and the ability to handle pressure in decisive moments, per CAF report. It was indeed a night that belonged to Senegal. As their young lions once again stood tallest to claim the U-17 AFCON title.
