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Abayomi Ademola
Tanzania and Senegal will battle for the 2026 CAF TotalEnergies Africa U-17 Cup of Nations title in Morocco after both nations survived dramatic semi-final encounters decided by penalties in Rabat on Thursday.
Tanzania made a historic first appearance in the final after defeating Egypt 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. In a tense and tactical match, clear-cut opportunities were limited, although Egypt almost found the breakthrough late in the second half thanks to Daniel Tamer, whose powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdallah.
Tanzania finally held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of five penalties to continue their remarkable run in the tournament.
Senegal also needed penalties to advance after beating hosts Morocco 7-6 in a dramatic shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Young Lions of Teranga took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to Mouhamed Wagne after good action by Souleymane Commissaire Faye. Morocco pushed relentlessly for an equalizer and finally equalized in stoppage time when Ismail El Aoud reacted quicker to convert the rebound after Senegalese goalkeeper Assane Sarr initially saved his penalty.
The penalty shootout created further tension as both goalkeepers made important saves, but Sarr emerged as Senegal’s hero with decisive saves to send the West Africans to the final. Morocco had previously seen a goal disallowed by VAR in the first half and dominated long periods of the second half, but Senegal’s discipline and composure proved decisive under pressure.
The final between Tanzania and Senegal will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the Moulay El Hassan stadium in Rabat. Morocco and Egypt will meet on Monday in the playoff for third place, and the four semi-finalists have already guaranteed places for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
