U-17 AFCON: Senegal edge Morocco in penalty thriller to reach final

Senegal booked their place in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after defeating hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Rabat on Thursday night.

Goalkeeper Assane Sarr emerged as the hero for the Young Lions of Teranga, producing a series of crucial saves during the tense shootout at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium to crush Morocco’s dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.

Senegal will now face Tanzania in the final after the East African side also progressed via penalties earlier in the day against Egypt, capping one of the most dramatic semi-final days in the history of the competition.

Morocco looked set for heartbreak before Ismail El Aoud rescued the hosts deep into stoppage time. The midfielder reacted quickest after his penalty was initially saved by Sarr, turning home the rebound in the ninth minute of added time to level the score and ignite celebrations among the home supporters.

Despite the late setback, Senegal remained composed and eventually held their nerve in the shootout to move one step closer to continental glory.

The Young Lions had started the stronger side and took the lead in the 23rd minute after excellent work from Commissaire Faye down the right flank. His initial effort was parried by the Moroccan goalkeeper, but Mouhamed Wagne reacted sharply inside the area to finish from close range and give Senegal the advantage.

The goal reflected Senegal’s attacking energy and exposed hesitation in the Moroccan defence.

Morocco pushed for a response before the interval and thought they had equalised in the 41st minute when Adam Al Laki found the back of the net, only for the effort to be ruled out after a VAR review.

That decision added to the frustration for the hosts, who enjoyed long spells of possession but struggled to break down Senegal’s disciplined defensive structure.

The pressure intensified in the second half as Morocco committed more players forward in search of an equaliser. Amine Moustach came close in the 62nd minute before Brahim Rabaj threatened again later in the game as the Atlas Lions increased the intensity.

Senegal appeared on course to secure victory in normal time until a late handball by Cheikh Dieng handed Morocco a lifeline. Although Sarr denied El Aoud from the penalty spot, the Moroccan midfielder reacted first to convert the rebound and force the contest into a dramatic shootout.

The penalties produced further tension and goalkeeping drama, with Morocco goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi making important saves to keep his side alive. However, Sarr delivered the decisive moments for Senegal as the shootout stretched into sudden death.

Senegal eventually prevailed 7-6 to continue their impressive run in the tournament and underline their growing reputation as one of Africa’s strongest youth football nations.

The defeat is a painful one for Morocco after their spirited late comeback in front of a passionate home crowd.

But for Senegal, it was a night defined by resilience, composure and the brilliance of Assane Sarr. The Young Lions survived the pressure, silenced the hosts and secured their place in the U-17 AFCON final, where Tanzania now await.