Senegal and Tanzania will meet in the final of the TotalEnergies (U-17 AFCON) Africa Cup of Nations after both nations emerged victorious from dramatic semi-final encounters on Thursday, setting up a highly anticipated clash on 2 June.
Defending champions Senegal produced another display of resilience and composure as they edged hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Senegal looked in control for long periods after taking the lead in the 23rd minute through Wagner, who finished clinically to reward their early pressure.
The West Africans also thought they had doubled their advantage before half-time, only for VAR to intervene and rule out the goal in the 38th minute, keeping Morocco firmly in the contest.
The hosts gradually grew into the game and found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. Ismail Al-Oud saw his initial penalty saved, but reacted quickest to convert the rebound and send the home crowd into celebration, forcing the tie into a shootout.
In the resulting penalties, Senegal showed their tournament experience, converting under pressure to secure a narrow 7-6 victory and keep their title defence alive.
Earlier in the day, Tanzania booked their place in a historic first-ever U-17 AFCON final after defeating Egypt 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw.
It was a tightly contested semi-final in which neither side could find a breakthrough in normal time, despite several promising opportunities.
Tanzania, however, held their nerve in the shootout to seal a landmark victory and continue their impressive run in the tournament.
The final will now pit two in-form sides against each other, with Senegal aiming to retain their crown while Tanzania look to complete a fairytale campaign by winning their first continental title.
With both teams having survived penalty drama in the semi-finals, the stage is set for a finely balanced and compelling final in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.
