Senegal have announced their 23-man squad for the upcoming Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, as the defending champions prepare to begin their title defence in Morocco later this month.
Head coach Lamine Sané confirmed his selection on Monday, 4 May 2026, naming the players who will represent the West African nation at the tournament, which is scheduled to run from 13 May to 2 June. Having lifted the trophy in 2023, Senegal’s young side heads into the competition with ambitions of reclaiming continental honours.
The squad announcement marks a key step in the team’s preparations, with attention now turning to final tactical adjustments ahead of the tournament. As part of those plans, Senegal will travel to Tunisia for a pre-competition friendly against the Tunisia U-17 national team. The match is expected to provide an opportunity for Sané to assess his squad and refine his approach before the opening fixtures.
Senegal have been drawn in Group D, where they will face a challenging set of opponents. Their group-stage rivals include Algeria, Ghana and South Africa, setting up a competitive pathway for the reigning champions as they seek to progress to the knockout rounds.
The Africa U-17 Cup of Nations is one of the continent’s प्रमुख youth tournaments, showcasing emerging talent and serving as a platform for the next generation of African footballers. Senegal’s triumph in the 2023 edition established them as a leading force at this level, and expectations will be high as they return to defend their crown.
Sané’s squad selection reflects a blend of promising young players tasked with maintaining the country’s recent success in youth football. While the final list has now been confirmed, the coaching staff will continue to focus on cohesion and match readiness during the final days of preparation.
The warm-up fixture in Tunisia is seen as a crucial part of that process, offering competitive match conditions ahead of the tournament opener. It will also allow the technical team to evaluate combinations and make any necessary adjustments before the campaign begins in Morocco.
With the countdown to kick-off under way, Senegal’s preparations are entering their final phase. The defending champions will be aiming not only to navigate a difficult group but also to demonstrate the quality that saw them crowned winners in the previous edition.
As the tournament approaches, attention will shift to Morocco, where Senegal’s young squad will attempt to once again assert their dominance on the continental stage.
