Senegal name U17 AFCON squad as title quest begins

Senegal have named their squad for the upcoming CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with head coach Ludovic Lamine Sané selecting a 24-man group as the reigning 2023 champions aim to reclaim the title.

The announcement marks Sané’s first major step since taking charge of the U17 national team only a few weeks ago.

Despite limited preparation time, including just one training camp, the coach has assembled a squad built entirely from locally based talent as Senegal prepare for a demanding tournament.

The West African side enter the competition with a clear objective. After lifting the trophy in 2023, they were unable to defend their crown in the following edition. This year, the focus is firmly on regaining their status as continental champions.

Senegal have been drawn into Group D, where they will face strong opposition in South Africa, Ghana and Algeria.

The group presents a significant challenge, with each fixture expected to test the depth and resilience of Sané’s young squad.

In constructing his team, the coach has placed his trust in players developed within Senegal’s renowned football academies.

Institutions such as Diambars and Génération Foot are once again heavily represented, underlining their continued importance in nurturing emerging talent.

Among the selected players, Souleymane Commissaire Faye is expected to play a key role, having already established himself as one of the standout figures within the youth setup. His inclusion reflects the continuity within the squad as Senegal look to build on previous success.

The full squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards, offering balance across all areas of the pitch.

The emphasis on domestic-based players highlights a strategy centred on cohesion and familiarity, despite the limited preparation period.

Sané’s appointment represents a new chapter for the team, but expectations remain high given Senegal’s recent pedigree in youth competitions.

The tournament in Morocco will provide an opportunity to measure the progress of the next generation and assess their ability to compete at the highest level.

As the competition approaches, attention will turn to how quickly the squad can adapt to Sané’s methods.

With a challenging group stage ahead and the ambition of reclaiming the title, Senegal’s young Lions face a defining test on the continental stage.