The head coach of Senegal’s U17 national team, Lamine Sané, has unveiled the 23-player roster for the upcoming 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Morocco, set to kick off on May 13 and conclude on June 2, 2026.

experienced players dominate the final squad

Sané’s selection reflects a strong emphasis on continuity and regional experience, with several players who have previously competed in continental and regional youth tournaments, including the UFOA U17 Championship.

goalkeeping and defensive reinforcements

The defensive backbone includes experienced names like Assane Sarr (Ndangane FC), who returns to Morocco after featuring in the last edition. He will be supported by Daouda Alassane Ba (Génération Foot) and Mamadou D. Gueye (Diambars FC) in goal. The defense features Cheikh Thior (Oslo FA), making his first CAN appearance after the UFOA U17 tournament in Bamako, alongside Cheikh Dieng (Diambars FC), a veteran of the previous CAN and a UFOA U17 winner in Mali. The backline is rounded out by Amadou Bamba Kane (Diambars FC), Thierno Sow and Cheikh Tidiane Diallo (United Académie), Lamine Mbengue (Génération Foot), and Abdourahmane Dieye (Keur Madior FC).

midfield dynamics and attacking flair

The midfield combines seasoned regional champions with emerging talents. Mahamet Ba (Diambars FC) and Souleymane C. Faye (Be Sport)—both UFOA U17 winners in Mali—will anchor the team, joined by Maurice Biaye (AF Darou Salam), Emile Niaga Sadio (Essamaye FC), El Hadji Ibrahima Sow (Dakar Sacré-Cœur), and Sébastien Nogueira (Génération Foot).

Up front, Mouhamed Wagne (Diambars FC), a CAN veteran, will lead the attack, supported by 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).

One notable omission from the squad is Bara Gueye (Oslo FC), the standout player from the recent African School Championship U15, won by Senegal in Zimbabwe. Initially preselected, Gueye withdrew due to a training injury.

pre-tournament preparation

Before departing for Morocco, the Lionceaux will travel to Tunisia for a friendly match against the Tunisian U17 team, serving as the final tune-up ahead of the tournament.