Senegal Defeats Tanzania on Penalties to Win U17 AFCON Title

Rabat – Senegal won the under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Tuesday night at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan. The match went to a penalty shootout after regular time ended in a 1-1 draw. Senegal won the shootout 4-2.

Tanzania took an early lead in the 7th minute. Forward H. Mihambo scored the opening goal following an assist from L. Mbalasalu. After the goal, Tanzania set up a compact defensive block, limiting Senegal’s chances and keeping the score 1-0 until halftime.

In the second half, Senegal increased their attacking pressure. They finished the match with 52% ball possession and recorded a total of 17 shots compared to Tanzania’s 6.

Senegal equalized in the 64th minute through substitute Ibrahima Dione. Neither side managed to score a winning goal during the remainder of the second half, sending the final straight to penalties.

In the shootout, Senegal converted four of their penalties, while Tanzania converted two. The result secures the continental youth title for Senegal.

Senegal’s U17 AFCON History

Senegal’s success at the under-17 level is a recent development. The country did not qualify for most of the early editions of the tournament between 1995 and 2009. However, investments in youth academies and structural development have transformed the nation into a major force in African youth football over the last decade.

The team achieved its first major milestone by winning the U17 AFCON title in 2023. In that tournament, held in Algeria, Senegal defeated Morocco 2-1 in the final to claim their maiden trophy. This victory established the young Teranga Lions as elite competitors on the continent.

With their victory over Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, Senegal has secured its second U17 AFCON title. The team has now appeared in five editions of the tournament overall (2011, 2019, 2023, 2025, and 2026). Their consistent performances have also earned them multiple appearances at the FIFA U17 World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16 in both 2019 and 2023.