U17 AFCON: Tanzania in finals as Senegal outsts Morocco

​The verdict came at the end of two stifling semi-finals. The African Cup of Nations under 17 years old will have an unprecedented final. On one side, Senegal, which knocked off the defending champion in an attempt to recover its crown. On the other hand, Tanzania, the surprise guest who continues to write the most beautiful page of his football history among young people.


Assane Sarr stops the dreams of Morocco
It was the royal poster for this last square at the Prince Moulay Hassan stadium in Rabat. Senegal challenged Morocco, the defending champion, with the firm intention of opening the way for a second title, two editions after its triumph in 2023.

​Entering the arena with a lot of positive aggressiveness, young Senegalese quickly gained the upper hand. In the 23rd minute, Mouhamed Wagne took advantage of a ball that was not pushed back by the Moroccan rearguard to open the scoring. Long masters of their subject and imperial defensively, Lamine Sané’s players thought they would hold their qualification.

​It was without counting on the grinta of the Atlas Lions. Carried by their audience, the Moroccans threw their last forces into the battle. At the end of the suspense, in the 99th minute of play, Ismail El Aoud turned a saving penalty to equalize (1-1) and send both teams to penalties.

​In this ultimate mental exercise, the Senegalese managed to keep their nerves. Thanks to an imperial Assane Sarr in his cage, Senegal finally won (7-6 tab) after an endless series of ten attempts, thus dethroning the reigning champion on his home ground.

Tanzania creates a sensation and can believe it.

​If seeing Senegal go far in this competition was expected, Tanzania was not expected at such a celebration. Having arrived in this tournament with the label of underdogs, young Tanzanians never stop surprising observers and beating the odds.

​Their semi-final was a perfect summary of their journey: from the heart, an irreproachable tactical discipline and unfailing mental strength. Pushed by enterprising Egyptians, they folded without ever breaking. At the end of regulation time, the scoreboard remained hopelessly blank.

​The shootout turned into a drama. While the pressure was on, Tanzania kept their heads to validate their historic ticket for the final. This qualification rewards the country’s ambitious training policy and proves that the gap is being reduced on the continent.