Tanzania to face Senegal in historic TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON final after penalty drama
Tanzania will face Senegal in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after both sides came through tense semi-final matches decided by penalties in Rabat on Thursday.
Tanzania reached the final for the first time in their history after beating Egypt 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw, while Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 7-6 in a dramatic shootout after a 1-1 draw.
The final will be played on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time.
The results set up a fascinating final between Tanzania, one of the biggest revelations of the tournament, and Senegal, a country with a growing reputation as one of Africa’s strongest youth football nations.
Tanzania’s run to the final has been one of the standout stories of the competition. The Serengeti Boys had already secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, but their semi-final victory over Egypt has taken their campaign to another level.
Their match against Egypt was tight and tactical, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Egypt came closest late in the second half through Daniel Tamer, whose powerful effort was saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdallah.
With neither side able to score after 90 minutes, Tanzania showed composure in the shootout, converting four of their five penalties to complete a historic victory.
For Egypt, the defeat ended an impressive campaign in which they reached their first semi-final since 2003 and also secured a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Senegal’s route to the final was more dramatic, as they eliminated hosts Morocco in front of a passionate home crowd at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The Young Lions of Teranga took the lead in the first half through Mouhamed Wagne, who reacted quickly to score from close range after Morocco goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi had saved an effort from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.
Morocco pushed hard for an equaliser and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Ismail El Aoud scored from the rebound after his penalty had initially been saved by Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr.
The match then went to penalties, where both goalkeepers played major roles in a tense shootout. Sarr eventually emerged as Senegal’s hero as the West Africans prevailed 7-6.
Morocco will now face Egypt in the third-place match on Monday, 1 June 2026, at CMVI – T8, with kick-off set for 20:00 local time.
The third-place match gives both sides a chance to end their campaigns with victory after semi-final disappointment, while the final will bring together two teams who have already shown courage, discipline and mental strength throughout the tournament.
For Tanzania, the final represents a historic opportunity to win a first TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON title.
For Senegal, it is another chance to underline their status as one of the continent’s leading producers of young football talent.
After a tournament filled with goals, surprises and penalty shootout drama, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 will now end with Tanzania and Senegal fighting for the continental crown.
Remaining fixtures – TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026
All kick-off times are local time
Third-place match
Monday, 1 June 2026
Morocco v Egypt
Venue: CMVI – T8
Kick-off: 20:00
Final
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Tanzania v Senegal
Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off: 20:00