The head coach of Senegal’s Under-17 national team, Lamine Sané, has unveiled the final squad of 23 players who will compete in the 2026 African Nations Championship (CAN) U17, hosted by Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026.
experienced lineup with regional tournament veterans
Sané has built a team rich in experience, drawing heavily from players who have already participated in regional and continental competitions, including the UFOA U17 tournament. The goalkeeper position features three reliable options: Assane Sarr (Ndangane FC), who returns after competing in the previous edition, alongside Daouda Alassane Ba (Génération Foot) and Mamadou D. Gueye (Diambars FC).
solid defensive core
The backline is anchored by seasoned defenders, including Cheikh Thior (Oslo FA), who makes his first CAN U17 appearance after featuring in the UFOA U17 tournament in Bamako. He is joined by Cheikh Dieng (Diambars FC), another key figure from the previous edition and champion of the UFOA tournament in Mali. The defense 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).
midfield dynamism and attacking potential
The midfield boasts players with proven regional success, such as Mahamet Ba (Diambars FC) and Souleymane C. Faye (Be Sport), both winners of the UFOA U17 tournament in Mali. They will be supported by Maurice Biaye (AF Darou Salam), Emile Niaga Sadio (Essamaye FC), El Hadji Ibrahima Sow (Dakar Sacré-Cœur), and Sébastien Nogueira (Génération Foot).
The attack will be led by Mouhamed Wagne (Diambars FC), a returning player from the last CAN U17, 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).
Note: Bara Gueye (Oslo), the standout performer of the recent African Schools U15 Championship won by Senegal in Zimbabwe, was initially preselected but had to withdraw due to an injury sustained during the preparation stage.
preparation ahead of the tournament
Before traveling to Morocco, the Senegal U17 team will undergo a final preparation phase in Tunisia, where they are set to face the Tunisian U17 squad in a friendly match to fine-tune their tactics and team chemistry.
