U17 AFCON: Senegal crowned African champions for the second time

Senegal continues to write the history of African football. After the coronation contest at the AFCON 2025, which will be judged before the CAS, and that of the U15, the U17 Lion Cubs in turn raised the national colors by winning the 2026 U17 AFCON. In the final, played on Tuesday 2 June in Rabat, Lamine Sané’s protégés beat Tanzania on penalties (4-2), after a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation time. 

Yet the meeting had started badly for the Senegalese. In the 7th minute, Hamis Chenga took advantage of a high recovery to release a precise shot at the edge of the box and beat Assane Sarr. A hard blow for the Lion Cubs who had shown their offensive intentions in the first seconds with an attempt from Mouhamed Wagne. 

Despite this hurdle, Senegal gradually took control of the match. The opportunities multiplied, but Tanzanian goalkeeper Haji was unsurmountable for much of the game. In the 22nd minute, he notably fought off a dangerous header from Ibrahima Sow against a precise cross from Thierno Sow. Dominant in the game and in statistics, the Senegalese have long clashed with the opposing resistance.

"Vampire" raises the Cubs
After the break, Lamine Sané’s men kept up the pressure and their perseverance was finally rewarded in the 64th minute. Freshly in the game, Ibrahima Dione alias Vampire found his way to the net to put the two teams back equal and restart this final completely. Despite several attempts on both sides in the last quarter of an hour and during the additional time, neither team managed to make a difference. As in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, Senegal and Tanzania had to rely on the penalty shootout.

Assane Sarr, the hero of the coronation
During the decisive session, the Cubs showed remarkable composure by transforming all their attempts. For his part, Assane Sarr has once again confirmed his status as the last decisive bulwark by stopping the last Tanzanian shot, thus offering the trophy to Senegal. This second continental title allows Senegal to join Ghana among the most titled nations in the history of the U17 AFCON with two crowns, after the one won in 2023. 

Beyond the result, this success confirms the excellent health of football for young Senegalese. Having arrived only a few weeks before the start of the tournament, Lamine Sané succeeded in leading this generation to the top of Africa. A performance that reflects the depth of the Senegalese breeding ground and the continuity of the training work undertaken over several years.