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Senegal were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Tuesday's final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, according to multiple reports from AllAfrica. The victory secured Senegal's second U-17 AFCON title, adding to their 2023 triumph in Algeria. For Tanzania, the defeat marked the end of a historic campaign in which the Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time in their history.
Coverage Comparison
Coverage of the final consistently highlights Senegal's resilience and Tanzania's historic achievement. Reports from AllAfrica emphasize Senegal's comeback after conceding an early goal, as well as Tanzania's disciplined performance throughout the tournament. A separate report focuses on the Golden Boot award won by Tanzania's Dismas Shida Athanasi, praising his maturity and decisive contributions despite being the youngest player at the tournament. Another piece details the tournament's Best XI, which features four players from each of the finalists, underscoring the balance of talent between the two sides.
Key Claims
According to match reports, Tanzania stunned Senegal with an early goal through Hamis Chenga in the seventh minute. Senegal equalized in the 64th minute when Ibrahima Dione turned in from close range after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye. In the penalty shootout, Senegal converted through Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior, while Tanzania scored via Usuph and Mbegelendi but saw Kilendemo and Mbegu miss their attempts, as reported by AllAfrica.
Dismas Shida Athanasi finished as the tournament's top scorer with three goals, earning the Golden Boot, according to multiple reports. The 14-year-old scored once against Mozambique in the group stage and twice in the quarter-final against Algeria, which Tanzania won on penalties after a 3-3 draw. His performances were noted for their composure and tactical awareness, which helped Tanzania reach their first-ever CAF youth final.
The tournament's Best XI, as reported by AllAfrica, includes four players from Senegal and four from Tanzania. Senegal's representatives are Golden Glove winner Assane Sarr, full-backs Lamine Mbengue and Thierno Sow, and winger Mouhamed Wagne. Tanzania's selections include defender Hussein Mbegu, midfielder and Player of the Tournament Issa Chole, playmaker Dismas Athanasi, and winger Razaki Mbegelendi. Hosts Morocco contributed two players, while Egypt added one, reflecting their third-place finish.
Perspectives
From Senegal's perspective, the final showcased their depth and ability to perform under pressure, as they came from behind to win a second continental title. Reports highlight the strength of their youth development system, which has now produced back-to-back U-17 AFCON crowns in three editions.
For Tanzania, the tournament represents a milestone in the nation's footballing rise. The Serengeti Boys' journey from group stage to final, including penalty shootout victories over Algeria and Egypt, captured the imagination of fans across Africa. Athanasi's individual award and the inclusion of four Tanzanian players in the Best XI underline the significance of their achievement.
The broader narrative from the tournament, as reflected in the reports, is the emergence of new forces in African youth football, with Tanzania's success following their back-to-back CAF African Schools Football Championship titles in 2024 and 2025, per AllAfrica.
As the final whistle in Rabat confirmed Senegal's victory, both teams left the pitch with reasons for pride: Senegal as champions, and Tanzania as a side whose historic run has set a new benchmark for East African football at the continental youth level.