Tanzania and Senegal will meet in the final of the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after both nations survived dramatic penalty shootouts in Thursday’s semifinals in Rabat.

Tanzania secured a historic first-ever place in the tournament final after defeating Egypt 4-3 on penalties following a tense goalless draw, while Senegal edged hosts Morocco 7-6 in another shootout after a thrilling 1-1 draw.

The final is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The showdown will pit one of the tournament’s surprise packages, Tanzania, against a Senegal side increasingly recognised as one of Africa’s dominant forces in youth football.

Tanzania’s journey to the final has been among the biggest stories of the competition. Having already secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, the Serengeti Boys added another milestone with their semi-final triumph over Egypt.

Despite the defeat, Egypt completed an encouraging campaign by reaching their first U-17 AFCON semi-final since 2003 and qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Senegal’s route to the final proved even more dramatic as the Young Lions of Teranga knocked out hosts Morocco in front of a passionate home crowd.

Senegal opened the scoring in the first half through Mouhamed Wagne, who reacted quickest to tap in from close range after Morocco goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi had parried an earlier effort from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.

Morocco pressed relentlessly for an equaliser and finally found one deep into stoppage time when Ismail El Aoud scored on the rebound after Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr initially saved his penalty.

The match then headed to a nerve-racking shootout, with both goalkeepers making important saves. Sarr eventually emerged as Senegal’s hero as the West Africans clinched a 7-6 victory on penalties.

Morocco will now take on Egypt in the third-place playoff on Monday, June 1, at Stadium CMVI–T8.