2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations: Assane Sarr, the impenetrable wall for Senegal’s Cubs, crowned best goalkeeper

Senegal are crowned champions of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. In a thrilling final against Tanzania, the Cubs clinched the title in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4-2 after regulation time ended 1-1. This second triumph for Senegal bears the signature of Assane Sarr, the Cubs’ goalkeeper, who delivered an extraordinary tournament and proved himself a true leader and savior for his team.

Heroic in the semifinal against Morocco

If Assane Sarr’s journey through the tournament was nearly flawless, his defining moment undoubtedly came in the electrifying semifinal against Morocco. After a series of crucial saves during regular time, the Senegalese keeper elevated his game to another level in the penalty shootout.

Thanks to his exceptional reading of the game and lightning-fast reflexes, the Ndingane FC goalkeeper stopped four Moroccan penalties, single-handedly steering his team to the final stage of the competition.

Dominance until the end against Tanzania

Even before the semifinal, the Cubs’ captain had already shone against Mali in the quarterfinals (1-1, 4-2 on penalties). In the grand finale against Tanzania, the young keeper displayed his trademark composure once again. Facing relentless Tanzanian attacks, the 16-year-old gem instilled confidence in his backline, making several decisive interventions at critical moments to keep Senegal’s hopes alive. By saving a penalty in the final, he proved his mastery of this high-stakes challenge. An exceptional performance marks the rise of a promising talent destined for a bright future.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

Related teams and leagues

Senegal U17

CAF U17 Cup of Nations