Senegal have taken an early step towards their preparations for the 2026 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), unveiling an initial squad made up largely of players developed within the country’s academy system.
The selection, overseen by head coach Lamine Sané, draws heavily from some of Senegal’s most respected youth development institutions.
Among the academies represented are Génération Foot, Diambars FC, Teungueth FC and Dakar Sacré-Cœur, alongside Oslo FA and other emerging training centres.
This initial call-up signals the start of a new project under Sané, who has been tasked with building a competitive side capable of maintaining Senegal’s growing reputation in African youth football.
The focus on homegrown talent reflects a broader strategy to harness the country’s well-established academy system, which has consistently produced players for both domestic and international stages.
Senegal enter the upcoming tournament as one of the continent’s leading football nations, having been crowned African champions in 2023.
That success has raised expectations ahead of the 2026 edition, where the Young Lions will be aiming to confirm their status among Africa’s elite.
However, the challenge ahead is significant. Senegal have been drawn into a demanding group alongside South Africa, Ghana and Algeria.
Each of these nations boasts strong youth development systems and a track record of producing competitive teams at this level.
For Sané, the early assembly of the squad offers an opportunity to assess talent, build cohesion, and implement a clear tactical identity ahead of the tournament.
With players coming from different academies and footballing backgrounds, one of the immediate priorities will be creating unity within the group.
The reliance on locally-based players also underlines Senegal’s confidence in its domestic structures.
Academies such as Génération Foot and Diambars have long been recognised for nurturing technically gifted and tactically disciplined players, many of whom have gone on to succeed in Europe and with the senior national team.
This approach could provide Senegal with a distinct advantage, as players who have developed within similar footballing philosophies may adapt quickly to the demands of international competition.
At the same time, it places responsibility on the coaching staff to refine individual talent into a cohesive and competitive unit.
As preparations begin, attention will now turn to how the squad evolves in the coming months.
Further selections and adjustments are expected as Sané fine-tunes his team ahead of the tournament.
