By 
Senegal are the new TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations champions after defeating Tanzania 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the final played on Tuesday night in Rabat, Morocco.
The West Africans were forced to come from behind after Tanzania made a dream start to the contest at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Hamis Chenga sent the Serengeti Boys into wild celebrations when he won possession in midfield, drove forward and fired past the Senegal goalkeeper in the seventh minute to hand Tanzania an early lead.
The goal settled the East Africans, who defended with discipline and organization for much of the first half while limiting Senegal to few clear-cut opportunities.
Senegal’s best chance before the break came through Ibrahima Sow, whose header was brilliantly kept out by goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi as Tanzania carried their advantage into halftime.
After the restart, Senegal increased the pressure and began to dominate possession in search of an equaliser.
Their breakthrough eventually arrived in the 64th minute when Souleymane Commissaire Faye delivered a dangerous free-kick that Abdullahi could only parry into the path of Ibrahima Dione, who reacted quickest to slot home from close range.
With the scores level, the final opened up as both sides pushed for a winner. Senegal looked the more threatening side, but Tanzania remained resilient and continued to frustrate their opponents.
The match produced late drama when Tanzania appealed for a penalty deep into stoppage time following a challenge inside the area. However, after consulting VAR, the referee waved play on.
That decision meant the title would be decided from the penalty spot.
Senegal once again showed their composure under pressure. Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted their penalties, while Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi. Misses from Kilendemo and Mbegu ultimately proved costly for the East Africans as Senegal secured a 4-2 shootout victory.
The triumph handed Senegal their second U-17 AFCON title and capped a remarkable campaign in which they also overcame Mali and hosts Morocco in penalty shootouts during the knockout stages.
Although Tanzania fell short at the final hurdle, the Serengeti Boys leave Morocco with their heads held high after a historic tournament. Reaching a first-ever U-17 AFCON final and qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup marks a major milestone for Tanzanian football and East Africa as a whole.
For Senegal, however, the night belonged to them. After 90 minutes of intense football and another flawless display from the penalty spot, the Young Lions of Teranga were crowned champions of Africa.
