SENEGAL U17 Profile
Reigning African U-17 champions, Senegal approach the 2025 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with the same determination as when they were crowned. Ibrahima Sory Sow is the only survivor of this epic, but coach Pape Ibrahima Faye remains open to all options, hinting at a potentially surprising team in Morocco.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Last November, the Lion Cubs of Teranga booked their ticket to the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by winning the UFOA A tournament after a thrilling final against Mali (3-3, 5 penalties 4). This match, played in an electric atmosphere, kept all its promises with a scenario rich in twists and turns.
This success testifies to the constant progress of Senegalese football among young people, confirming the quality of the training work undertaken in recent years. By winning this tournament, the Cubs sent a strong message to their future rivals, affirming their ambition to shine on the continental stage.
COMPETITION HISTORY
Senegal made history by winning their first title at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, confirming the rise of their team. Led by their captain Amara Diouf, the Lion Cubs of Teranga displayed impressive control throughout the competition. Solid in defence and formidable in attack, they outclassed their opponents in the group stage before raising their level in the decisive matches. In the final, against Morocco, they showed character to turn the situation around and win 2-1. Amara Diouf, a true conductor, shone with his talent, vivacity and efficiency, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 5 goals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ibrahima Sory Sow
With great intelligence of the game, he excels in recovering the ball and distribution, bringing balance and fluidity to the midfield. His vision and ability to break the lines make him a key element of the Senegalese system. A tireless worker, he also stands out for his defensive commitment and his reading of the game.
Sidi Barham Ndiaye
With impressive speed and refined technique, Sidi Barham Ndiaye knows how to destabilize defenses perfectly thanks to his hard-hitting dribbling and his sense of positioning. His goalscoring instinct and ability to finish off actions make him a valuable asset to his team.
Baytir Fall
His physical power combined with great mobility allows him to stand out in duels and to be actively involved in the offensive game. Thanks to his ability to make quick decisions and his determination, Fall knows how to make himself dangerous in front of goal, while being an excellent worker behind the scenes.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
Former U-15 coach Pape Ibrahima Faye has taken over from Serigné Saliou Dia, who was recently appointed head coach of the U-20s. This transition in the technical staff has not affected the group's ambitions, quite the contrary.
Under Faye's leadership, the Lion Cubs of Teranga shone in the UFOA A tournament, winning another championship title. This success testifies to the solidity of the team, but also to the vision of the coach, who has been able to maintain cohesion and tactical discipline despite the change at the head of the team.
With this new title and a team that seems more and more ready to take on the challenges, the "PIF" version of Senegal seems more armed than ever to aim for the continental title.
TOURNAMENT EXPECTATIONS & GROUP ANALYSIS
The goal of the Teranga Cubs is to defend their title and retain their status as African champions at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. However, the task will not be easy, as Senegal will play in a very competitive Group C, alongside:
Gambia
Two-time African champions in 2005 and 2009, The Gambia returns to this competition with solid arguments and experienced players who are sure to test Senegal's ambitions.
Somalia
After a successful first appearance at the last edition, the Ocean Stars have high ambitions and are determined to turn the expectations placed on them into performances on the pitch.
Tunisia
An athletic and explosive team, whose dynamic play will test the defensive solidity of the Lion Cubs and offer a major challenge for the young Senegalese.
This tough group promises many exciting confrontations, and the Lion Cubs will have to show all their talent and determination to come out of these matches unscathed.