Tanzania and Senegal will meet in the final of the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after both nations won dramatic semi-final matches on penalties in Rabat on Thursday.
Tanzania secured a historic first appearance in the final after defeating Egypt 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw. Senegal also advanced on penalties, beating hosts Morocco 7-6 after a 1-1 draw.
The final will be played on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Tanzania continued their impressive tournament run with a disciplined display against Egypt in a tense semi-final. Clear scoring opportunities were limited throughout the match, with Egypt coming closest late in the second half when Daniel Tamer’s powerful strike was saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdallah.
With the match level after 90 minutes, Tanzania held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of their five penalties to seal victory and move into their first CAF U-17 AFCON final.
Egypt’s campaign ends in disappointment despite reaching their first semi-final since 2003 and securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
Senegal’s victory over Morocco came after a dramatic contest at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. The Young Lions of Teranga took the lead in the first half through Mouhamed Wagne, who scored from close range after Morocco goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi had saved an initial effort from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.
Morocco pushed for an equaliser and found it deep into stoppage time when Ismail El Aoud scored on the rebound after his penalty was initially saved by Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr.
The match proceeded to penalties, where Sarr again proved decisive as Senegal edged Morocco 7-6 to book their place in the final.
Morocco will now face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Monday, 1 June 2026, at CMVI – T8 in Rabat.
The final will pit tournament surprise package Tanzania against a Senegal side widely regarded as one of Africa’s strongest youth football nations.
Tanzania will be chasing a first-ever CAF U-17 AFCON title, while Senegal aim to reinforce their growing reputation in African youth football.
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