U-17 AFCON
Osimhen headlines list of CAF U-17 emeritus
As Napoli close in on their first Italian Serie A title in over 30 years, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s selfless team-work and impressive goal-scoring skills have been attracting worldwide attention.
Osimhen first showcased his abilities at the 2015 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and won the tournament’s Golden Boot.
However, he is not the only former participant of the tournament making waves in world football.
From Patson Daka to Omar Colley, many players have used the tournament as a launching pad to success.
At the 2015 CAF U-17 AFCON in Niger, Osimhen’s star began to rise as he scored three goals in the group stages, including a goal in Nigeria’s opening game against hosts Niger and a brace in their final group game against Zambia.
His final goal earned him global recognition and the tournament’s Golden Boot. Osimhen used this platform to build his reputation and career, and his achievements with Napoli and the Nigerian national team are testament to his talent.
Gambia’s Omar Colley, who won the U-17 Cup of Nations in 2009, was one of the key players in his team’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
Colley, an accomplished defender who plays for Turkish club Besiktas, featured in all of Gambia’s games at the tournament. His success at the 2009 U-17 AFCON, where Gambia conceded just one goal in the entire tournament, was a proving ground for his career.
Patson Daka, the Zambian international and current Leicester City player, was a star in the making at the 2015 tournament in Niger.
Though he may have been in the shadows at the time, his ability to read the game, draw in defenders, and finish with the calmness of a centre forward was evident.
As his career moved on to Austria and then the Premier League, Daka’s qualities as a player have only grown.
Martin Hongla, the Cameroonian international, may have been eliminated early on in the 2015 tournament, but he showed glimpses of his potential.
Hongla’s desire and ambition to achieve bigger things in his career are now on full display.
Other notable alumni of the tournament include Kelechi Iheanacho, Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore, Mali’s Mohammed Camara, and many others.
The CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations has played a significant role in shaping the careers of many players and has proven to be a launching pad for players who have gone on to achieve great success on the global stage.
Players like Osimhen, Colley, Daka, and Hongla have used the platform provided by the tournament to showcase their talent, develop their skills, and earn recognition from clubs worldwide.
As we look forward to the start of the next edition of the tournament in Algeria on Friday, we can expect to see more young players using this opportunity to launch their careers and make their mark on the beautiful game.
For the class of 2023, there is plenty of motivation to draw on the achievements of these players and carve their own pathway forward by making their mark on the world of football.
Senegal booked their place in the final of the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2026 after defeating hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Thursday night’s semi-final at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Goalkeeper Assane Sarr emerged as Senegal’s hero, producing crucial saves during a nerve-racking shootout to silence the home crowd and keep the Young Lions of Teranga on course for continental glory.
The victory sets up a fascinating final against Tanzania, who earlier secured a historic first-ever appearance in the tournament’s final by beating Egypt 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Senegal appeared destined for victory in normal time after taking a first-half lead through Mouhamed Wagne, only for Morocco to stage a dramatic late comeback.
The hosts rescued themselves deep into stoppage time when Ismail El Aoud converted from the rebound after Sarr had initially saved his penalty in the ninth minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations among the Rabat faithful.
However, Senegal regained their composure in the ensuing shootout, holding their nerve through a tense battle that stretched into sudden death before eventually prevailing 7-6.
The West Africans had looked the stronger side during the opening period and deservedly took the lead in the 23rd minute. Souleymane Commissaire Faye created the opportunity with a strong run down the right flank, and although his effort was parried by Moroccan goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi, Wagne reacted quickest to bundle home from close range.
Morocco thought they had levelled before halftime when Adam Al-Laki found the net in the 41st minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review, adding to the hosts’ frustrations.
The Atlas Lions increased the pressure after the break, with Amine Moustach and Brahim Rabaj both going close as Morocco searched desperately for an equaliser.
Their persistence finally paid off when Senegal defender Cheikh Dieng was penalised for handball late in stoppage time. Although Sarr brilliantly saved El Aoud’s penalty, the Moroccan midfielder reacted fastest to convert the rebound and force penalties.
The shootout produced further drama as both goalkeepers made important saves, but Sarr ultimately proved decisive, helping Senegal secure their place in Tuesday’s final.
Earlier in the day, Tanzania continued their remarkable tournament run by overcoming Egypt 4-3 on penalties after neither side could break the deadlock in regulation time.
The Serengeti Boys, already assured of a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, demonstrated remarkable composure from the spot to reach their first-ever U-17 AFCON final.
Egypt came closest to scoring during the match when Daniel Tamer’s powerful effort was brilliantly saved by Tanzanian goalkeeper Haji Abdallah.
With the match ending goalless, Tanzania converted four of their five penalties to complete a historic victory and eliminate the young Pharaohs.
The result ended Egypt’s impressive campaign, which had seen them reach their first U-17 AFCON semi-final since 2003 while also securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Tuesday’s final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat promises to be a compelling contest between tournament surprise package Tanzania and a Senegal side seeking to reinforce its growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading producers of football talent.
For Tanzania, the occasion represents an unprecedented opportunity to claim a maiden continental title. For Senegal, it is another chance to underline their dominance at the youth level and add another chapter to their impressive football development story.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco will face Egypt in Monday’s third-place playoff as both nations seek to finish their campaigns on a positive note after suffering semi-final heartbreak.
After a tournament filled with excitement, goals and penalty-shootout drama, the U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 is now set for a thrilling conclusion with Tanzania and Senegal battling for the continental crown.
Remaining fixtures –U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026
All kick-off times are local time
Third-place match
Monday, 1 June 2026
Morocco v Egypt
Venue: CMVI – T8
Kick-off: 20:00
Final
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Tanzania v Senegal
Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off: 20:00
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Four young products of Morocco’s renowned Mohammed VI Football Academy are set to carry the hopes of the host nation at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
This underlines the remarkable success of the kingdom’s long-term investment in youth football development.
The quartet of Ibn Salah Oualid, Boughazir Adam, Harouch Mohamed, and Ezzarky Ayman have emerged from what is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest football incubators. They are now preparing to showcase their talents on home soil during the continental championship.
The U17 AFCON has historically served as a launchpad for many of Africa’s future stars, and Morocco’s latest generation is being tipped to continue that tradition.
All four players are graduates of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, the elite institution established in 2009 under the initiative of King Mohammed VI as part of a broader strategy to transform Moroccan football into a global force.
The Academy’s philosophy combines top-level football development with academic education, ensuring that young talents from across the kingdom receive equal opportunities to grow both on and off the pitch.
Its sports-study model has increasingly become a benchmark in African football, producing technically gifted and disciplined players capable of adapting to the demands of international competition.
The emergence of the four youngsters at the 2026 U17 AFCON is also viewed as another milestone in Morocco’s carefully structured football project, which has already produced notable achievements at youth level in recent years.
Former Academy graduates played key roles in Morocco’s triumph at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and the country’s success at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, reinforcing the effectiveness of the nation’s player development pathway.
Moroccan football authorities believe the seamless transition from academy football to international success reflects a deliberate and sustained commitment to excellence driven from the highest levels of leadership in the kingdom.
As the tournament unfolds before home supporters, attention will be firmly fixed on the four Academy products, who now have the opportunity to write the next chapter in Morocco’s rapidly growing football story.
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Defending champions Morocco will begin the defence of their continental crown on home soil on Wednesday as the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 kicks off with 16 nations battling for African glory and qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The tournament, which runs from May 13 to June 2, will introduce CAF’s new festival-style format aimed at creating a more integrated and development-focused environment for Africa’s rising football stars.
Most matches will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading football facilities, while the opening match, semi-finals and final will be staged at other designated venues.
Morocco, which lifted the title in 2025, headlines a difficult Group A that also includes Tunisia, Egypt and Ethiopia.
The hosts are expected to carry enormous pressure as they seek to retain the trophy in front of home supporters, while also continuing the country’s growing influence in African and global football.
Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, Morocco are expected to rely on an aggressive attacking approach built around ball possession, high pressing and fluid movement. Young talents Adam Bougazir, Rami Loukmani and Ilyan Hadidi are already attracting attention ahead of the competition.
Morocco’s opening clash against Tunisia is expected to provide an immediate examination of their title ambitions. Tunisia, led by coach Nadjeh Toumi, are known for their tactical discipline and defensive organisation and could pose a serious threat to the hosts.
The Moroccans are not only chasing continental success but also one of Africa’s 10 tickets to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
Under the tournament format, all eight quarter-finalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four third-placed teams from the group stage will contest additional play-off matches to determine the final two African representatives.
The competition also reflects Morocco’s growing status as a major football host nation following recent successes in organising continental and international tournaments.
Elsewhere, Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon alongside Uganda and debutants DR Congo.
The tournament is expected to showcase some of Africa’s brightest emerging football talents, with nations hoping to combine continental success with qualification for the global stage in Qatar.
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