Senegal once again underlined their growing dominance in African football by lifting the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in Rabat.
Much like their senior counterparts, the Teranga Lions’ young generation conquered the continent on Moroccan soil, showing resilience, discipline and quality throughout the tournament. Yet while Senegal celebrated continental glory, several young talents from across Africa used the competition as a platform to announce themselves to the world.
From commanding midfielders and clinical forwards to a goalkeeper who thrived under pressure, Footy-Africa takes a look at five players whose performances made them the standout stars of the tournament.
Dismas Athanasi / midfielder (Tanzania)
Few players left a bigger impression than Tanzania’s Dismas Athanasi. The tournament’s top scorer was instrumental in the Serengeti Boys’ remarkable run to the final and embodied everything good about his team’s fearless approach.
Comfortable operating as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box presence or attacking playmaker, Athanasi combined physicality with technical quality. His ability to win duels, drive through midfield and arrive in dangerous positions made him one of the competition’s most complete players.
Khaled Mokhtar and Dismas Athanasi. 🇪🇬🇹🇿
Keep an eye on these two in the semi-finals! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/OZhxHDSgkN— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) May 28, 2026
Standing tall both literally and figuratively, the Tanzanian youngster often looked several years beyond his age group. Comparisons to former Ivorian great Yaya Touré may be premature, but Athanasi certainly possesses the tools to become a dominant midfield force in African football.
Ibrahima Dione / forward (Senegal)
Champions always need players capable of delivering in decisive moments, and Senegal found theirs in Ibrahima Dione. The forward endured a mixed tournament but repeatedly produced when his team needed him most.
After being left on the bench following a difficult semi-final outing, Dione responded in the best possible fashion in the final, scoring the equaliser within minutes of entering the match.
Sometimes it’s a sub.
Sometimes it’s a super-sub.
Sometimes it’s Ibrahima Dione. 🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/u6OO0X7dfN— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) June 3, 2026
His crucial goal against Ghana earlier in the tournament had already demonstrated his knack for finding the right spaces inside the penalty area. While there is room for improvement in his finishing and overall consistency, Dione’s movement, instincts and composure suggest Senegal may have another exciting striker emerging through the ranks.
Assane Sarr / goalkeeper (Senegal)
Every successful tournament run requires a dependable goalkeeper, and Senegal’s Assane Sarr was exactly that.
The captain led from the front, combining leadership with decisive performances between the posts. Sarr became Senegal’s ultimate insurance policy during the knockout rounds, saving penalties in every knockout match and repeatedly rescuing his side in crucial moments.
Assane Sarr is #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 Best goalkeeper. 🇸🇳🧤 pic.twitter.com/4Lv0Axe5K4
— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) June 2, 2026
Beyond his heroics in shootouts, the goalkeeper displayed an excellent command of his penalty area, strong communication skills, and impressive concentration under pressure. His performances throughout the tournament highlighted a maturity rarely seen in players his age.
For Senegal, the future looks secure between the sticks.
Oualid Ibn Salah / midfielder (Morocco)
Morocco’s impressive campaign was built on a solid midfield foundation, and Oualid Ibn Salah was at the heart of it.
Despite his relatively slight frame, the midfielder played with remarkable intensity and authority. Combining intelligence with aggression, Salah dictated the tempo of matches while also excelling defensively.
His tackling, positioning and work rate allowed Morocco to control games, while his ability to distribute possession ensured smooth transitions from defence to attack. Throughout the tournament, he consistently delivered mature performances that drew admiration from supporters and scouts alike.
There were moments when his displays evoked comparisons to Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, and if his development continues at the same pace, Salah could soon become one of the country’s brightest prospects.
Owen Mukisa / forward (Uganda)
Uganda’s qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup owed much to the contributions of Owen Mukisa.
The forward burst into the tournament with explosive performances, showcasing pace, aggression and sharp movement in the final third. Although he experienced a brief dip in form midway through the competition, he responded strongly when Uganda needed him most.
Uganda Cubs storm past DR Congo in statement AFCON U-17 opener
Mukisa’s partnership with Nicholas Kawooya became one of the most effective attacking combinations at the tournament. His willingness to press defenders, stretch opposition backlines and create opportunities made him a constant threat.
Still developing physically and technically, Mukisa possesses all the attributes required to progress to the next level. If he remains focused and continues his upward trajectory, Uganda could have a genuine star on its hands.
Glimpse into Africa’s future
Youth tournaments are often a preview of the continent’s next generation of stars, and the 2026 U-17 AFCON was no exception. While Senegal deservedly celebrated continental success, players such as Athanasi, Dione, Sarr, Salah and Mukisa ensured the tournament will be remembered for more than just the champions.
Their performances offered a glimpse of Africa’s footballing future, and judging by what was seen in Morocco, that future looks exceptionally bright.
