Senegal Crowned U17 AFCON Champions for the Second Time in Three Years

Senegal have done it again, lifting the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 trophy on Tuesday night at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, after defeating Tanzania's Serengeti Boys on penalties. The Teranga Lions' U17 side secured their second title in three years, winning the shootout 4-2 to seal their place as back-to-back African youth champions.

What Happened

Senegal's U17 side faced off against Tanzania in the final, with the Serengeti Boys drawing first blood in the 7th minute through Hamis Chenga. Coach Lamine Sané's Senegal side grew into the game after the break, piling on the pressure until Ibrahima Dione equalised in the 64th minute. The match headed to penalties, where Senegal held their nerve completely, converting all four of their spot kicks while Tanzania's Kilendemo and Mbegu both missed.

Inside the Rollout

The Senegal U17 squad lifted the trophy on the championship podium, securing their second title in three years. Photo Credit: CAF/Instagram. The match was a closely contested affair, with both sides creating scoring chances throughout the 90 minutes. However, it was Senegal who ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to their discipline and composure in the penalty shootout.

• Tournament title: TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026
• Final opponents: Tanzania's Serengeti Boys
• Penalty shootout result: Senegal 4-2 Tanzania

Why This Matters

Senegal's victory marks a significant achievement for the country's youth football development program. With this win, the Teranga Lions' U17 side has cemented their status as one of the top youth teams in Africa, and their success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of young footballers in Senegal. The team's coach, Lamine Sané, will also be hailed as a visionary leader who has guided his team to back-to-back championships.

The Takeaway

Senegal's victory in the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 will be remembered as a historic moment for the country's football history. The team's success will serve as a source of pride for the nation, and their achievement will be celebrated across Senegal. As the team returns home, they will be greeted as heroes, and their victory will be seen as a testament to the country's commitment to developing its young football talent.