Back-to-Back Champions: Senegal Edge Tanzania to Win U17 AFCON

Senegal have successfully defended their U17 Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final at Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.

The Young Teranga Lions claimed their second U17 AFCON trophy in three years, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s leading youth football nations.

Tanzania made a bright start to the final, taking the lead in the seventh minute through Hamis Chenga. The Serengeti Boys maintained their advantage for much of the first half with a disciplined defensive display that frustrated the defending champions.

Senegal responded strongly after the break and eventually found an equaliser in the 64th minute. Ibrahima Dione capitalised on a rebound after Tanzania’s goalkeeper parried a free kick into his path, calmly finishing from close range to level the contest.

Neither side could find a winning goal in regulation time, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Senegal showed composure from the spot, converting all four of their penalties, while Tanzania’s Kilendemo and Mbegu missed their attempts, handing the title to the West Africans.

The triumph marks Senegal’s second U17 AFCON title since winning their maiden crown in Algeria in 2023, when they defeated Morocco 2-1 in the final.

Despite falling short in the title decider, Tanzania earned widespread praise for an impressive campaign. The East African side eliminated Algeria in the quarter-finals and Egypt in the semi-finals, both via penalty shootouts, to reach a historic final.

Both finalists had already secured qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar before the championship match, but Senegal ultimately emerged as continental champions once again.