Senegal's Young Lions of Teranga have been crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, securing a hard-fought victory over Tanzania in a dramatic final in Rabat. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Senegal ultimately triumphed 4-2, showcasing their resilience and composure under pressure.

The final, held at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, saw Tanzania's Serengeti Boys stun the reigning champions with an early goal in the seventh minute. Hamis Chenga seized an opportunity from midfield, advancing towards the Senegal area and firing home from the edge of the box to give Tanzania a surprising lead. This early breakthrough rewarded Tanzania's brave and disciplined approach, while also highlighting initial uncertainties within the Senegalese defense.

Senegal, however, quickly regrouped and pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Despite their efforts, Tanzania maintained a compact and organized defensive structure, thwarting several Senegalese attacks. Ibrahima Sow came close for Senegal in the 22nd minute with a header, but Tanzania's goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi produced a fine save to preserve his side's lead. The Young Lions continued to press with set-pieces and wide attacks, yet Tanzania's resilience and tactical maturity, which had previously seen them win penalty shootouts against Algeria and Egypt in the knockout stage, ensured they went into half-time with their advantage intact.

After the break, Senegal intensified their tempo, exerting greater control over possession and territory. Commissaire Faye tested Tanzania from distance in the 48th minute, with Sega Fall Mbodji and Lamine Mbengue also threatening the Tanzanian goal. The sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 64th minute when Faye delivered a dangerous free-kick that goalkeeper Haji could only parry. Ibrahima Dione reacted quickest, tapping the loose ball into the net to bring Senegal level. The equalizer shifted the momentum firmly towards Senegal, who appeared to be the more dangerous side in the final quarter of the match.

Despite the momentum swing, Tanzania refused to concede further, defending with discipline and remaining compact, constantly looking for counter-attacking opportunities. The match remained tense until the final minutes, with both teams desperate for a decisive moment. In stoppage time, Tanzania appealed for a penalty after a challenge involving Thierno Sow, but a VAR review confirmed the referee's decision not to award a spot-kick, ensuring the final would be decided by penalties.

In the ensuing shootout, Senegal once again demonstrated their nerve, having already proven clinical in shootouts against Mali and Morocco in earlier knockout stages. Faye, Sadio, Dione, and Thior all converted their penalties for Senegal. Tanzania, while scoring through Usuph and Mbegelendi, saw Kilendemo and Mbegu miss their attempts, giving Senegal the 4-2 victory.

This triumph marks Senegal's second U-17 AFCON title, further cementing the strength and effectiveness of the country's youth football development system. Coach Lamine Sané's side overcame a challenging campaign, recovering from difficult moments, surviving a dramatic quarter-final against Mali, and eliminating hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, ultimately proving their resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to perform under pressure.

For Tanzania, although the defeat brought a painful end to their journey, it also concluded a historic campaign. The Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time, qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and delivered one of East African football's proudest moments at the continental youth level, demonstrating their capability to compete with the continent's strongest youth sides. However, after a final filled with tension, recovery, and penalty drama, the night unequivocally belonged to Senegal, who stood tallest as the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 champions.