The TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2026 has come to an exhilarating conclusion, and with it, the prestigious Best XI has been announced, highlighting the most promising young talents in African football. This tournament has not only showcased the skills of the future stars of the sport but has also provided a platform for nations to demonstrate their footballing prowess at a youth level.
In a remarkable display of talent and teamwork, Senegal and Tanzania have emerged as the dominant forces in this selection, each contributing four players to the Best XI following their impressive journeys to the finals held in Rabat. Senegal emerged victorious, claiming their second title in three editions after a tense penalty shootout against Tanzania at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. The Young Lions of Teranga have added another trophy to their cabinet, having previously won the title in Algeria in 2023.
Tanzania's remarkable journey has captivated fans across the continent, as they made history by reaching their first-ever final at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON. Their ascent in youth football has been further solidified by consecutive victories in the CAF African Schools Football Championship in 2024 and 2025, underscoring their potential in nurturing young talent. This success is reflected in the tournament's Best XI, which includes standout players such as defender Hussein Mbegu, midfielder and Player of the Tournament Issa Chole, top scorer Dismas Athanasi, and winger Razaki Mbegelendi, all of whom played pivotal roles in Tanzania's historic run.
The Senegalese champions are well represented in the Best XI, featuring Golden Glove winner Assane Sarr, full-backs Lamine Mbengue and Thierno Sow, along with winger Mouhamed Wagne, all of whom were instrumental in the team's triumph. Additionally, the hosts Morocco, who finished fourth after a semi-final appearance, also contributed two players to the Best XI. Defender Adam Soudi consistently demonstrated his defensive prowess, while forward Mohamed Amine Moustache was a standout in offensive plays throughout the tournament.
Lastly, Egypt, who secured the bronze medal by defeating Morocco in the third-place playoff, is represented by midfielder Ahmed Abdelhalim in this elite selection, reflecting their competitive spirit in the tournament.
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 Best XI:
- Defenders: Thierno Sow (Senegal), Hussein Mbegu (Tanzania), Adam Soudi (Morocco), Lamine Mbengue (Senegal)
- Midfielders: Issa Chole (Tanzania), Ahmed Abdelhalim (Egypt), Dismas Athanasi (Tanzania)
- Forwards: Razaki Mbegelendi (Tanzania), Mohamed Amine Moustache (Morocco), Mouhamed Wagne (Senegal)
As reported by cafonline.com.
