Senegal qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations final on Thursday after beating hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties. The match ended 1-1 at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Senegal goalkeeper Assane Sarr was the key player. He made important saves in the shootout to stop Morocco from winning at home. Senegal will now play Tanzania in the final. Tanzania beat Egypt on penalties earlier on Thursday.
Morocco scored a late goal to force penalties. In the 99th minute, Ismail El Aoud’s penalty was saved by Sarr, but El Aoud scored from the rebound to make it 1-1.
Senegal took the lead in the 23rd minute. Commissaire Faye’s shot was blocked by the Moroccan goalkeeper, and Mouhamed Wagne scored from the rebound. Morocco had a goal by Adam Al-Laki cancelled by VAR before halftime.
In the second half, Morocco attacked more. Amine Moustach and Brahim Rabaj had chances, but Senegal defended well until Cheikh Dieng’s handball gave Morocco a late penalty.
During the shootout, Morocco goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi also made good saves. But Sarr was stronger in sudden death, helping Senegal win 7-6.
The result keeps Senegal’s good run in the tournament going. For Morocco, the loss ends their fightback in front of home fans.
