Senegal Advances to U17 AFCON Final Amid Controversy Over Moroccan Fans

The Senegalese Under-17 national team secured their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for players under 17 by defeating Morocco in a penalty shootout with a score of 7-6 on Thursday.

Morocco is hosting the second consecutive edition of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations, featuring 16 teams competing from May 13 to June 2, 2026. This tournament also serves as a qualifier for the U17 World Cup scheduled to take place in Qatar in November of the same year.

After the match concluded on Thursday evening, Senegal’s head coach and player Tirno Sow approached the Moroccan fans and engaged in provocative gestures, creating a regrettable scene.

Additionally, a member of the Senegalese technical staff made mocking signs toward the crowd, urging them to cry.

Senegal’s U17 team will face Tanzania in the final match set for Tuesday, June 2, in Rabat. Meanwhile, Morocco and Egypt will compete in the third-place playoff.

All four teams had already secured qualification for the 2026 U17 World Cup in Qatar, which will include nine African nations.