Heartbreak for Tanzania as Senegal clinch U-17 AFCON on penalties
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 03.06.26. | 09:03
The Serengeti Boys leave Morocco with their heads held high after reaching their first-ever U-17 AFCON final, securing qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup
Senegal were crowned U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions after edging Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in Tuesday's final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
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The Young Lions of Teranga were forced to come from behind after Tanzania stunned the defending champions with an early opener from Hamis Chenga in the seventh minute.
Chenga capitalised on a midfield turnover, drove forward and unleashed a superb strike from the edge of the area to hand the Serengeti Boys a dream start that silenced the Senegal supporters.
Senegal responded positively and began to dominate possession, creating several chances as they searched for an equaliser. Ibrahima Sow came close midway through the first half, but Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi produced an excellent save to preserve his side's lead.
Tanzania remained disciplined and well-organised throughout the opening period, taking their advantage into the break and continuing the resilience that had carried them through dramatic penalty shootout victories over Algeria and Egypt earlier in the tournament.
After halftime, Senegal increased the intensity and gradually took control of proceedings. Souleymane Commissaire Faye tested Abdullahi with a long-range effort before Sega Fall Mbodji and Lamine Mbengue also threatened as the pressure mounted.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 64th minute. Faye delivered a dangerous free-kick into the area, and although Abdullahi managed to get a hand to the ball, he could only parry it onto the path of Ibrahima Dione, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range and restore parity.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Senegal's favour, but Tanzania refused to buckle. The East Africans defended bravely and remained a threat on the counterattack as both sides searched for a winning goal.
A dramatic moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Tanzania appealed for a penalty following a challenge involving Thierno Sow. However, after a VAR review, the referee waved away the claims, ensuring the final would be settled from the spot.
In the shootout, Senegal once again demonstrated their composure under pressure. Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted their penalties, while Tanzania could only score through Usuph and Mbegelendi.
Kilendemo and Mbegu failed to convert, allowing Senegal to secure a 4-2 victory and spark celebrations among the West Africans.
The triumph earned Senegal their second U-17 AFCON title and further highlighted the remarkable strength of the country's youth development system.
It also completed an impressive tournament run that saw them overcome Mali in a dramatic quarter-final, eliminate hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, and finally defeat a spirited Tanzanian side in the championship match.
For Tanzania, defeat marked a heartbreaking end to a historic campaign. Nevertheless, the Serengeti Boys leave Morocco with their heads held high after reaching their first-ever U-17 AFCON final, securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and delivering one of East Africa's finest performances on the continental youth stage.
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