Tanzania, Senegal Reach CAF U-17 AFCON Final After Penalty Shootout Victories

Tanzania, Senegal Reach CAF U-17 AFCON Final After Penalty Shootout Victories

By Niyi Busari 

Tanzania and Senegal will contest the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after both nations emerged victorious from dramatic semi-final encounters decided by penalty shootouts in Rabat on Thursday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Tanzania booked their place in the final for the first time in the nation's history after defeating Egypt 4-3 on penalties following a tense goalless draw. Senegal, meanwhile, edged hosts Morocco 7-6 in a thrilling shootout after the sides were locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

The final will take place on Tuesday, 2 June, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time.

The showdown promises to be a compelling contest between two of the tournament's standout performers. Tanzania have emerged as the surprise package of the competition, while Senegal continue to strengthen their reputation as one of Africa's leading producers of elite young football talent.

The Serengeti Boys' remarkable journey reached another milestone against Egypt. Having already secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, Tanzania demonstrated resilience and composure to navigate a tightly contested semi-final in which clear-cut opportunities were scarce.

Egypt came closest to breaking the deadlock late in the second half when Daniel Tamer unleashed a powerful effort, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdallah.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the match was settled from the penalty spot. Tanzania held their nerve, converting four of their five attempts to secure a landmark victory and a maiden appearance in the continental final.

Despite the disappointment, Egypt can take pride from a successful campaign that saw them reach their first U-17 AFCON semi-final since 2003 and secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Senegal's path to the final proved even more dramatic as they overcame tournament hosts Morocco in front of a passionate home crowd.

The Young Lions of Teranga took the lead through Mouhamed Wagne, who reacted quickest to convert from close range after Morocco goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi had initially saved an effort from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.

Morocco responded with determination and eventually found a way back into the contest deep into stoppage time. Ismail El Aoud followed up to score after his penalty had been saved by Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr, sending the home supporters into celebration and forcing a penalty shootout.

The shootout produced further tension as both teams converted a succession of penalties. However, Senegal ultimately prevailed 7-6, with goalkeeper Assane Sarr playing a decisive role to send the West Africans into another continental final.

Morocco and Egypt will now meet in the third-place playoff on Monday, 1 June, offering both nations the opportunity to finish their campaigns on a positive note after suffering semi-final heartbreak.

Attention, however, will firmly be on Tuesday's final, where history and prestige await. Tanzania will be aiming to complete a fairytale campaign by lifting their first-ever CAF U-17 AFCON title, while Senegal will seek to add another youth continental crown to their growing collection and further underline their status as a powerhouse of African youth football.

After a tournament defined by emerging talent, memorable performances and dramatic finishes, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 is set for a captivating conclusion as Tanzania and Senegal battle for continental supremacy.

Remaining Fixtures

Third-Place Match

Monday, 1 June 2026

Morocco vs Egypt

Venue: CMVI – T8

Kick-off: 20:00

Final

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Tanzania vs Senegal

Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat

Kick-off: 20:00Headline Options