CAF president Patrice Motsepe has congratulated Senegal following their victory at the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, praising the nation’s football leadership after the Young Lions of Teranga secured another continental title.
In an official message, Motsepe extended his congratulations to the Senegalese Football Federation and its president Abdoulaye Fall after Senegal were crowned champions of the 2026 edition of the tournament.
The South African administrator also acknowledged the broader Senegalese football fraternity, including national leadership, as celebrations continue following a dramatic final win over Tanzania in Rabat.
Senegal clinched the title after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The final itself was tightly contested, with Tanzania making a strong start.
The East African side stunned Senegal early in the match when Hamis Chenga found the net in the seventh minute, putting pressure on the defending champions.
However, Senegal showed resilience in the second half.
Ibrahima Dione brought the Young Lions level in the 64th minute, reacting quickly inside the box after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a free-kick delivered by Souleymane Commissaire Faye.
With neither side able to find a winning goal during normal time, the match moved to a penalty shootout to decide the destination of the trophy.
Senegal held their nerve in the decisive moment, converting four of their penalties through Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior.
Tanzania responded through Usuph and Mbegelendi, but misses from Kilendemo and Mbegu proved costly as Senegal edged ahead.
The victory secured Senegal’s second U17 AFCON title, reinforcing their status as one of the continent’s leading youth football nations.
For Tanzania, the defeat was a painful end to an impressive campaign, but their run to the final highlighted the growing strength of their youth development programme.
