By Tanzania and Senegal will meet in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after both sides survived tense semi-finals decided by penalty shootouts in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.
Tanzania booked their place in a historic first final after edging Egypt 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to carve out clear chances over 90 minutes. Egypt came closest late in the second half when Daniel Tamer unleashed a powerful effort that was brilliantly saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdallah, while Malek Amr also tested the East African defence in a game defined by discipline and resilience.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough in normal time, the contest was settled from the penalty spot. Tanzania showed composure under pressure, converting four of their five spot-kicks to seal a landmark victory and reach their first-ever U-17 AFCON final.
Despite the defeat, Egypt—appearing in their first semi-final since 2003—exit the tournament with pride after an impressive run that also secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup
In the second semi-final, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Senegal struck first in the 23rd minute when Mouhamed Wagne reacted quickest inside the box to finish after Commissaire Faye’s effort was parried by the Moroccan goalkeeper. The Young Lions of Teranga were organised and disciplined, frustrating the hosts for long spells in the first half.
Morocco thought they had equalised in the 41st minute through Adam Al-Laki, but the goal was ruled out following a VS review, leaving the home side frustrated going into the break.
The Atlas Lions pushed strongly in the second half, increasing pressure and creating several chances through Amine Moustach and Ibrahim Rabaj, but Senegal held firm with a compact defensive display.
Drama struck deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty for a handball by Cheikh Dieng. Goalkeeper Assane Sarr initially denied Ismaail El Aoud from the spot, but the midfielder reacted quickest to convert the rebound and level the match at 1-1, sending the home crowd into celebration and forcing penalties.
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The shootout was tense and stretched into sudden death, with both sides exchanging successful kicks and crucial saves. Senegal eventually held their nerve to win 7-6, with goalkeeper Assane Sarr emerging as the decisive figure with key interventions.
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