U17 CAN 2026: Senegal’s Lionceaux crowned African champions in Rabat

The Lionceaux de la Téranga won the U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 on Tuesday night at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, beating Tanzania in a penalty shootout 4-2 after a 1-1 score at the end of regular time. This is Senegal’s second title in the category, after 2023, placing them on par with Ghana among the most decorated nations in the competition’s history.

Tanzania opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a precise shot from Hamis Chenga at the edge of the box after a high recovery. Trailing behind, the Lionceaux gradually took control of the match but failed to equalize before halftime. Ibrahima Dione brought both teams level in the 64th minute. The match could not be decided in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. Young goalkeeper Assane Sarr, the hero of the tournament, saved the fifth Tanzanian shot to hand the title to Senegal. He was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Coach Lamine Sané, who joined just a few weeks before the tournament began, led this generation to the title without losing in 90 minutes throughout the competition – Senegal having eliminated Morocco in the semi-finals with the same scenario (1-1, 7-6 on penalties), with Assane Sarr saving four opposing attempts.

This U17 title comes in Morocco, the same host country of the AFCON where Senegal had won the final in January 2026 before CAF awarded it to Morocco on the green carpet following incidents. The U15s also claimed the title this season, making Tuesday, June 2, a special evening for Senegalese football. Senegal qualifies for the U17 World Cup alongside Morocco, Tanzania, and Egypt – the last four of this AFCON.