Senegal U17 coach Seydina Aidara: “The real story is written in the final”

Senegal coach Seydina Issa Aidara says his players must stay humble, disciplined and focused as they prepare to face Tanzania in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026.

The Young Lions of Teranga will meet the Serengeti Boys on Tuesday in a final that brings together one of Africa’s most consistent youth football nations and one of the tournament’s biggest surprise stories.

Senegal reached the final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over hosts Morocco, while Tanzania made history by reaching their first continental youth final after also overcoming Egypt on penalties.

But Aidara has warned his players that reaching the final is not enough, insisting that the decisive chapter of their campaign will only be written when they compete for the trophy.

"We must savor this moment, but remain humble. The real story is written in the final, not before. We must stay focused and wait until we win the cup to celebrate and erupt in jubilation."

It is a message that reflects the calm and controlled mood inside the Senegal camp ahead of one of the biggest matches of the players’ young careers.

Senegal’s recent success across African football has created expectation, but Aidara says this generation must not be weighed down by what others have achieved before them.

"I see it as an inspiring legacy; recent successes show the way," he says, before adding: "But each generation must write its own story without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to deliver results."

That balance between pride and humility has become central to Senegal’s preparation.

Aidara is aware that under-17 football can be emotionally unpredictable, with young players often moving quickly between confidence, excitement and anxiety.

His message to the squad has therefore been simple: enjoy the stage, but do not allow the occasion to become too heavy.

"I told them to play for fun, not for the pressure. The final is a reward, not a burden. Unleash your talents."

Senegal will face a Tanzania side that has grown in confidence throughout the tournament. The East Africans have shown organisation, energy and mental strength, especially in their penalty shootout victories in the knockout stage.

Aidara and his technical team have studied the Serengeti Boys closely, but the coach is not willing to reveal the tactical details of Senegal’s plan.

"What we discuss will be between us, within the team. We don't need to air it. At this level, everyone knows each other. Each player will implement their own strategy to gain the upper hand."

While he is keeping the details private, Aidara says Senegal will not abandon their identity.

His side have shown structure, intensity and resilience throughout the competition, especially after recovering from a difficult start to the tournament.

Senegal were beaten 2-1 by South Africa in their opening match, a result that forced the players to quickly understand the demands of the competition.

Rather than damaging the group, Aidara believes that defeat helped strengthen the squad.

"This defeat made us realize the difficulty of the task. Nothing will be handed to us, everything will have to be fought for. It forged in them an iron will, a steely resolve. It's on a mental level that the team has progressed the most."

That mental development has been visible in Senegal’s knockout campaign.

They have had to survive difficult moments, manage pressure and remain composed when matches have gone deep into decisive stages.

Aidara believes the final against Tanzania will again be decided by small margins, and he has identified set pieces as one area that could prove important.

"Every match comes down to details, and set pieces are one of them. It's an area that people neglect, but we've recently seen top international teams perform well in this area. Why not us? We've worked on it and we're continuing to work on it."

The Senegal coach has also taken steps to protect the concentration of his players in the build-up to the final.

With interest growing around the team, the squad has been kept in a tight environment designed to reduce distractions and maintain focus.

Aidara accepts that the players are physically tired after a demanding tournament, but he believes the motivation of a final can lift them above fatigue.

"The bodies are tired, but playing in a final provides such motivation that you forget about it," he asserts, paying tribute to his medical staff for helping the group recover.

No major injuries have been reported, giving Senegal the chance to approach the final with confidence in their physical condition.

But Aidara’s focus has not only been on the starting players.

He has made a deliberate effort to ensure that every member of the squad feels involved, especially those who may not begin the final on the pitch.

"Every member of the team has a key role to play. It's essential to value our substitutes by reminding them how their energy, support, and positive attitude drive our collective success. The title is built thanks to them."

For Aidara, this is more than a tactical message. It is part of his wider approach to developing young footballers who must understand that their careers will continue long after the tournament ends.

He wants the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations to be remembered not only as a competition, but as an important stage in the growth of his players.

"Talent opens doors, but only dedication and discipline keep them open. The Africa Cup of Nations must be a springboard, not an end in itself."

That message gives Senegal’s final campaign a wider meaning.

The players have the opportunity to win a continental title, but they are also being asked to learn the habits that could shape their professional futures.

Against Tanzania, Senegal will face a team carrying the hopes of a nation and a region after making history for East African football.

Aidara knows the challenge will be difficult, but his squad has already shown that it can respond to adversity.

Now, with the support of Senegalese fans and what he describes as their “fervor and prayers”, the coach wants his players to complete the mission.

There will be time to celebrate if Senegal win.

Until then, Aidara’s message is clear: stay calm, stay humble and write the real story in the final.