Senegal have won the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating Tanzania on 4-2 penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco.
Tanzania took an early lead in the 7th minute inside the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, with forward H. Mihambo scoring the opening goal following an assist from L. Mbalasalu. Subsequently, the Eastern Africans formed a defensive side against a relentless Senegalese side, limiting the West Africans chances to keep the game at 1-0 during half time.
However, Senegal piled on the attacking pressure in the second half and were eventually rewarded in the 64th minute when substitute Ibrahima Dione scored an equaliser from close range. This was after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.
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Neither side was able to find the winning goal in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. Senegal showed greater composure as Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted for the Young Teranga Lions. Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi, but Kilendemo and Mbegu failed to convert to crown Senegal as champions.
Senegal has secured its second U17 AFCON title after five overall appearances in this tournament (2011, 2019, 2023, 2025, and 2026).
