The head coach of the Sénégal under-17 national team, Lamine Sané, has announced the final squad of 23 players selected for the CAN U17 2026, set to take place in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026.
experienced backbone guides Sénégal’s u17 squad
Sané’s selection strategy emphasizes continuity and experience, with several players who have already competed in regional and continental tournaments, including the UFOA U17 competition. The defensive line features reliable names such as Assane Sarr of Ndangane FC, who will serve as the team’s goalkeeper. Sarr returns to Morocco, having been part of the previous edition. He will be supported by Daouda Alassane Ba from Génération Foot and Mamadou D. Gueye from Diambars FC.
solid defense and midfield combinations
In defense, multiple trusted players have been called up. Cheikh Thior of Oslo FA will make his CAN U17 debut after participating in the UFOA U17 tournament in Bamako. He will be joined by Cheikh Dieng of Diambars FC, who also featured in the last edition and was part of the team that won the UFOA tournament in Mali. The defensive unit 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).
The midfield boasts players with regional title-winning pedigree. Mahamet Ba and Souleymane C. Faye of Diambars FC and Be Sport respectively, both champions of the UFOA U17 tournament in Mali, bring invaluable experience. They will be joined by Maurice Biaye (AF Darou Salam), Emile Niaga Sadio (Essamaye FC), El Hadji Ibrahima Sow (Dakar Sacré-Cœur), and Sébastien Nogueira (Génération Foot).
attacking lineup led by seasoned forwards
The attack will be spearheaded by Mouhamed Wagne of Diambars FC, whose experience from the previous CAN U17 will be crucial. He will lead a forward line that includes Séga Fall Mbodji, Daouda Fofana (both from 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, the standout player from the recent African School Championship U15, which Sénégal won in Zimbabwe. Initially preselected, Gueye withdrew due to an injury sustained during the preparation camp.
pre-tournament preparation in Tunisia
Before departing for Morocco, the Sénégal U17 team, nicknamed the Lionceaux, will make a stop in Tunisia to face the local national team in a friendly match. This encounter aims to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the continental tournament.