Sénégal U17 squad 2026: Lamine Sané names his 23 lionceaux for Morocco

Head coach Lamine Sané has finalized the 23-player roster for the Sénégal U17 national team as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026.

The selection reflects a balance between continuity and experience, with several players already familiar with continental and regional competitions, including the UFOA U17 tournament.

solid defensive backbone for the lionceaux

In goal, Assane Sarr (Ndangane FC) has been named the starting goalkeeper. Sarr brings valuable experience after competing in the previous edition and returns to Morocco with added confidence. He will be supported by Daouda Alassane Ba (Génération Foot) and Mamadou D. Gueye (Diambars FC).

The defensive line features a mix of seasoned defenders. Cheikh Thior (Oslo FA) makes his first CAN U17 appearance after shining at the UFOA U17 tournament in Bamako. He will partner with Cheikh Dieng (Diambars FC), a repeat presence from the last edition and winner of the UFOA tournament in Mali.

The back four is completed by Amadou Bamba Kane (Diambars FC), Thierno Sow and Cheikh Tidiane Diallo (United Académie), alongside Lamine Mbengue (Génération Foot) and Abdourahmane Dieye (Keur Madior FC).

midfield mastery and attacking firepower

The midfield combines tactical intelligence with regional championship pedigree. Mahamet Ba (Diambars FC) and Souleymane C. Faye (Be Sport), both winners of the UFOA U17 tournament in Mali, will anchor the team’s rhythm.

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), adding technical depth and versatility.

Up front, Mouhamed Wagne (Diambars FC), a returning face from the last CAN, will lead the line with support from Séga Fall Mbodji and Daouda Fofana (Génération Foot). The attack is rounded out by Magueye Niang (Guelwaars FC), Abdoulaye Diop (AC Mawade Wade), Ibrahima Dione (HLM Dakar), and Cheikh Omar Sy (Castor FC).

notable exclusion ahead of Morocco 2026

One standout name missing from the final squad is Bara Gueye (Oslo FC), the most valuable player of the recent African School Championship U15 — a tournament won by Sénégal in Zimbabwe. Initially preselected, Gueye withdrew due to a training injury, leaving a gap in the attacking options.

pre-tournament preparation in Tunisia

Before departing for Morocco, the Lionceaux will make a stop in Tunisia for a crucial friendly match against the Tunisian U17 team. This encounter will serve as the final tuning point ahead of the continental showdown.

With a blend of youthful energy and proven talent, Sénégal’s U17 squad is poised to make a strong impression on the African stage in 2026.