Tanzania and Senegal will meet within the closing of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after each side survived tense semi-finals determined by penalty shootouts in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.
Tanzania booked their place in a historic first closing after edging Egypt 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw on the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with each side struggling to carve out clear probabilities over 90 minutes. Egypt got here closest late within the second half when Daniel Tamer unleashed a strong effort that was brilliantly saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdallah, whereas Malek Amr additionally examined the East African defence in a recreation outlined by self-discipline and resilience.
With neither facet capable of finding a breakthrough in regular time, the competition was settled from the penalty spot. Tanzania confirmed composure underneath strain, changing 4 of their 5 spot-kicks to seal a landmark victory and attain their first-ever U-17 AFCON closing.
Regardless of the defeat, Egypt—showing of their first semi-final since 2003—exit the match with satisfaction after a powerful run that additionally secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup
Within the second semi-final, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw on the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Senegal struck first within the twenty third minute when Mouhamed Wagne reacted quickest contained in the field to complete after Commissaire Faye’s effort was parried by the Moroccan goalkeeper. The Younger Lions of Teranga have been organised and disciplined, irritating the hosts for lengthy spells within the first half.
Morocco thought they’d equalised within the forty first minute by way of Adam Al-Laki, however the objective was dominated out following a VS assessment, leaving the house facet annoyed going into the break.
The Atlas Lions pushed strongly within the second half, rising strain and creating a number of probabilities by way of Amine Moustach and Ibrahim Rabaj, however Senegal held agency with a compact defensive show.
Drama struck deep into stoppage time when Morocco have been awarded a penalty for a handball by Cheikh Dieng. Goalkeeper Assane Sarr initially denied Ismaail El Aoud from the spot, however the midfielder reacted quickest to transform the rebound and degree the match at 1-1, sending the house crowd into celebration and forcing penalties.
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The shootout was tense and stretched into sudden dying, with each side exchanging profitable kicks and essential saves. Senegal ultimately held their nerve to win 7-6, with goalkeeper Assane Sarr rising because the decisive determine with key interventions.
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