Senegal target third straight title as UFOA A U17 draw sets out group-stage line-up

Senegal will begin their defence of the UFOA A U17 title in Group A alongside Mauritania, Gambia and Sierra Leone after the tournament draw was held in Dakar.

The Lionceaux, two-time winners of the competition, will host the tournament and have the opportunity to claim a third consecutive title on home territory. The Senegal side, led by Lamine Sane, will face regional rivals Gambia, Mauritania and Sierra Leone in the group stage.

The UFOA A U17 tournament will take place from 7 to 20 September 2026, with Senegal preparing to compete in front of their home supporters as they seek to extend their run of success in the competition.

Mali, regarded as Senegal’s main rivals in the tournament, have been drawn in Group B. The Aiglons will compete against Liberia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau for a place in the next stage.

The draw divides the teams from the UFOA A zone into two groups, with Senegal and Mali kept apart in the opening phase. Senegal’s Group A includes four sides: Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia and Sierra Leone.

Group B is made up of Mali, Liberia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

For Senegal, the tournament represents a chance to build on their recent dominance in the competition. Having already won the title twice, they will be aiming to complete a hat-trick of successes when the 2026 edition begins in September.

Their route to a third successive triumph will start against three opponents from across the zone. Gambia, Mauritania and Sierra Leone will all be seeking to prevent the hosts from progressing as group winners and retaining their crown.

Mali will face a separate challenge in Group B, where their opponents will be Liberia, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. The Aiglons will also be competing for a place in the next phase, with the group draw setting up a separate contest away from the defending champions.

The draw in Dakar has now confirmed the initial structure of the tournament, while the competition itself remains scheduled for 7-20 September 2026. Senegal’s status as both hosts and reigning two-time champions gives them an immediate opportunity to pursue a third consecutive UFOA A U17 title.