Senegal is set to defend its U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, with team captain Ibrahima Sory Sow leading the charge.
Sow, the only player in the squad with prior international experience, will be pivotal in guiding his teammates as they aim to retain their crown.
The 23-man squad consists of young talents drawn from Senegal’s top football academies, including Diambars, Génération Foot, Af Darou Salam, and Dakar Sacré-Cœur.
The team will travel to Casablanca-Settat, where they will compete in the prestigious continental tournament.
Head coach Pape Ibrahima Faye has placed his trust in locally trained players, with the squad heavily composed of academy prospects.
The “Lion Cubs” will kick off their campaign against Gambia on April 1 in El Jadida, with the leadership of Sow expected to be instrumental in their title defense.
Among the key players selected are goalkeeper Assane Sarr from Ndangane FC, defender El Hadj Malick Cissé from Sahel FC, and striker El Hadj Baytir Fall from Amitié FC.
Their performances will be crucial in ensuring Senegal remains a dominant force in African youth football.
Senegal U17 AFCON Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Vincent Gomis (Génération Foot), Assane Sarr (Ndangane FC), Mamadou Diabaté Guèye (Diambars).
Defenders:
El Hadj Malick Cissé (Sahel FC), Ibrahima Aïdara (Diambars), Ahmadou Bamba Kane (Diambars), Cheikh Dieng (Diambars), Lamine Mbengue (Génération Foot), Alpha Mbengue (Génération Foot), Omar Cissé (Af Darou Salam).
Midfielders:
Ousseynou Ndiaye (United Academy), El Hadj Ibrahima Sow (Dakar Sacré Cœur), Ibrahima Sory Sow (Génération Foot), Aliou Guèye (Espoirs de Guédiawaye), Maurice Biaye (Af Darou Salam).
Forwards:
Mbacké Ndiaye (Af Darou Salam), Sidy Barhama Ndiaye (Diambars), Cheikh Sadibou Sané (Dakar Sacré Cœur), Étienne Mendy (Diambars), El Hadj Baytir Fall (Amitié FC), Abdourahmane Mbodj (Génération Foot), Ibrahima Diallo (Af Darou Salam), Mouhamed Wagne (Diambars).
Senegal’s young squad will be aiming for a strong start as they seek to defend their title and maintain their stat
