The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its decisive stage in Rabat on Tuesday evening, with defending champions Senegal taking on Tanzania in a final that could be decided by emerging teenage talent.
With both sides just one match away from continental glory, attention has turned to four standout players who have been central to their teams’ journey through the tournament in Morocco.
Tanzania are chasing a historic first CAF U-17 title, while Senegal are aiming to retain the crown they won in the previous edition. The final has already been described as one likely to be settled by fine margins, and individual brilliance could prove decisive.
Dismas Athanasi Shida – Tanzania
Tanzania’s attacking hopes are strongly tied to Dismas Athanasi Shida, a forward who has scored three goals in the tournament so far.
The 14-year-old has stood out not only for his output but also for his maturity in key moments. He scored a brace in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Algeria, and also opened his account in the group stage against Mozambique.
What makes his rise even more remarkable is his age. At just 14, Shida is the youngest player at the tournament, yet has already become one of Tanzania’s most important attacking threats heading into the final.
Razaki Mbelegendi – Tanzania
Another Tanzanian player expected to play a key role is midfielder Razaki Mbelegendi, who has contributed two goals during the group stage against Mozambique and Angola.
Mbelegendi has also shown composure under pressure, scoring in the penalty shootout victory over Algeria that helped Tanzania reach the semi-finals.
Although he missed his spot-kick in the shootout against Egypt, his overall influence in midfield was crucial in helping Tanzania hold their nerve and progress to the final.
Assane Sarr – Senegal
Senegal’s defensive strength has been anchored by goalkeeper Assane Sarr, who has delivered several decisive performances throughout the competition.
The 16-year-old shot-stopper made a crucial penalty save in the quarter-final against Mali, sending Senegal into the last four. He then produced a standout display in the semi-final against Morocco, where he saved three penalties in a dramatic shootout.
Despite conceding an own goal earlier in the tournament, Sarr’s reflexes, positioning and penalty-saving ability have made him one of Senegal’s most influential players.
Souleymane Commissaire Faye – Senegal
In attack, Souleymane Commissaire Faye has provided Senegal with creativity and control in the number 10 role.
While both of his goals have come from the penalty spot, his wider contribution has been just as important. Faye has consistently created chances, linking midfield and attack with pace and technical ability.
His dribbling and vision have helped Senegal maintain attacking momentum, especially in high-pressure situations where composure has been required.
Final poised on individual impact
With Senegal and Tanzania both within reach of continental glory, the final in Rabat is expected to be influenced by these four young players.
Whether it is Tanzania’s attacking duo or Senegal’s defensive and creative leaders, the match offers a stage for emerging talent to define one of Africa’s biggest youth football moments.
