The head coach of the Senegal U17 national team, Lamine Sané, has unveiled the final 23-player roster set to compete in the 2026 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026.
The selection strategy prioritized continuity and competitive experience, with several players already familiar with continental and regional tournaments such as the UFOA U17 Championship. The defensive backbone includes seasoned defenders like Cheikh Thior of Oslo FA, who makes his first CAN U17 appearance after shining in Bamako, and Cheikh Dieng of Diambars FC, a veteran of the previous edition and winner of the UFOA tournament in Mali.
solid defensive core and midfield dynamics
The defensive lineup is further strengthened by Amadou Bamba Kane (Diambars FC), Thierno Sow and Cheikh Tidiane Diallo (United Académie), alongside Lamine Mbengue (Génération Foot) and Abdourahmane Dieye (Keur Madior FC). In midfield, Mahamet Ba (Diambars FC) and Souleymane C. Faye (Be Sport) — both champions at the UFOA U17 in Mali — bring tactical maturity, supported by Maurice Biaye (AF Darou Salam), Emile Niaga Sadio (Essamaye FC), El Hadji Ibrahima Sow (Dakar Sacré-Cœur), and Sébastien Nogueira (Génération Foot).
experienced strike force with one notable absence
The attacking unit relies on proven talent like Mouhamed Wagne (Diambars FC), making his second consecutive appearance, leading a frontline that includes Séga Fall Mbodji, Daouda Fofana (Génération Foot), Magueye Niang (Guelwaars FC), Abdoulaye Diop (AC Mawade Wade), Ibrahima Dione (HLM Dakar), and Cheikh Omar Sy (Castor FC). However, the squad faces a setback: Bara Gueye of Oslo FC, crowned best player at the recent African School Championship U15 in Zimbabwe, has been ruled out due to a training injury. Initially preselected, his withdrawal marks a significant gap in attacking creativity.
In preparation for the tournament, the team will embark on a training camp in Tunisia, where they are scheduled to face the Tunisian U17 side in a friendly match to fine-tune tactics and cohesion ahead of their Moroccan campaign.
With a blend of youthful talent and international exposure, Senegal’s U17 squad aims to build on past successes and vie for continental glory on the global stage.
