Africa: Senegal Crowned TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Afcon Champions After Shootout Win Over Tanzania

Senegal were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after beating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Tuesday's final in Rabat.

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.

Ibrahima Dione equalised for Senegal in the 64th minute, turning in from close range after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.

With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the final was decided by penalties, where Senegal showed greater composure to claim another continental title at this level.

Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted for Senegal in the shootout, while Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi but saw Kilendemo and Mbegu miss their attempts.

The victory secured Senegal's second U-17 AFCON title and further underlined the strength of the country's youth football development system.

For Tanzania, defeat brought a painful end to a historic campaign in which the Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time and gave East African football one of its proudest moments at continental youth level.

The final started with Senegal showing early intent, as Mouhamed Wagne created danger inside the opening minute.

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.

The goal rewarded Tanzania's bravery and discipline, while also exposing early uncertainty in the Senegal defence.

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.

Senegal continued to press through set-pieces and wide attacks, but they were unable to break through before half-time.

Tanzania went into the interval ahead, having shown the same resilience and tactical maturity that carried them through penalty shootout wins over Algeria and Egypt earlier in the knockout stage.

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 take control of possession and territory.

Faye delivered a dangerous free-kick which Haji could only parry, and Dione reacted quickest to tap the loose ball in