Senegal reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defeating the host team 7-6 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in Rabat on Thursday night.
Goalkeeper Assane Sarr was the hero for Senegal, making key saves during the shootout and ending Morocco’s hopes of winning at home.
Senegal will face Tanzania in the final, as Tanzania also won against Egypt on penalties earlier that day. Senegal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Mouhamed Wagne scored after a shot from Commissaire Faye was saved. Morocco had a goal ruled out in the 41st minute after a VAR review, which led to increasing frustration.
In the second half, Morocco pushed harder. A late handball by Cheikh Dieng allowed Morocco to equalize with a penalty rebound by Ismail El Aoud in stoppage time, making it 1-1.
The match went to a penalty shootout, where both teams had moments of success and failure. Senegal ultimately won the shootout 7-6, continuing their strong tournament performance.
For Morocco, it was a tough defeat after a late comeback in front of their fans. Senegal’s victory secures their place in the final, where they will face Tanzania for the title.
