The head coach of the Senegal U17 national team, Lamine Sané, has announced the final roster of 23 players selected for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, kicking off on May 13 and running until June 2.
experienced core and emerging talents named in Senegal’s u17 squad
Sané’s lineup features a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, with several players boasting prior experience in continental and regional competitions like the UFOA U17 tournament. The defensive backbone includes Cheikh Thior of Oslo FA, making his CAN debut after shining at the Bamako U17 UFOA event, alongside Cheikh Dieng from Diambars FC—another veteran of the previous edition and winner of the Mali-hosted tournament. The backline is rounded out by Amadou Bamba Kane (Diambars FC), Thierno Sow, Cheikh Tidiane Diallo (United Académie), Lamine Mbengue (Génération Foot), and Abdourahmane Dieye (Keur Madior FC).
goalkeeping stability and midfield dynamism
In goal, the experienced trio of Assane Sarr (Ndangane FC), Daouda Alassane Ba (Génération Foot), and Mamadou D. Gueye (Diambars FC) will provide stability. The midfield is bolstered by Mahamet Ba and Souleymane C. Faye (both Diambars FC and UFOA U17 winners), alongside Maurice Biaye (AF Darou Salam), Emile Niaga Sadio (Essamaye FC), El Hadji Ibrahima Sow (Dakar Sacré-Cœur), and Sébastien Nogueira (Génération Foot).
attacking firepower and one notable exclusion
The forward line boasts proven finishers like Mouhamed Wagne (Diambars FC), who returns after featuring in the last CAN, alongside 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 with the absence of Bara Gueye of Oslo FC, despite his standout performance at the recent African U15 School Championship in Zimbabwe. A last-minute injury during the preparatory camp ruled him out of contention.
pre-tournament warm-up against Tunisia
Before departing for Morocco, the Lionceaux will face Tunisia in a friendly match in Tunisia, serving as a final tune-up ahead of the tournament.
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