Sénégal u17: lamine sané announces 23-player squad for can 2026

With the CAN U17 Morocco 2026 just around the corner, coach Lamine Sané has unveiled the final 23-man roster for Senegal U17, gearing up for the continental showdown from May 13 to June 2, 2026.

The former international has prioritized consistency and experience, selecting several players with prior exposure to continental and regional competitions like the UFOA U17 tournament. The defensive backbone has been reinforced with seasoned athletes such as Cheikh Thior (Oslo FA), who makes his CAN debut after competing in Bamako, and Cheikh Dieng (Diambars FC), a veteran of the previous edition who also clinched the UFOA title in Mali.

The backline features a mix of defensive talents: Amadou Bamba Kane (Diambars FC), Thierno Sow and Cheikh Tidiane Diallo (United Académie), Lamine Mbengue (Génération Foot), and Abdourahmane Dieye (Keur Madior FC). Between the posts, Assane Sarr (Ndangane FC) takes charge as the primary goalkeeper, returning to Morocco after his participation in the last edition. He is backed by Daouda Alassane Ba (Génération Foot) and Mamadou D. Gueye (Diambars FC).

The midfield will be led by Mahamet Ba (Diambars FC) and Souleymane C. Faye (Be Sport), both winners of the UFOA U17 Mali tournament, alongside Maurice Biaye (AF Darou Salam), Emile Niaga Sadio (Essamaye FC), El Hadji Ibrahima Sow (Dakar Sacré-Cœur), and Sébastien Nogueira (Génération Foot).

Upfront, Mouhamed Wagne (Diambars FC), a veteran of the last CAN U17, will spearhead the attack, supported by Séga Fall Mbodji, Daouda Fofana (Génération Foot), Magueye Niang (Guelwaars FC), Abdoulaye Diop (AC Mawade Wade), Ibrahima Dione (HLM Dakar), and Cheikh Omar Sy (Castor FC).

A notable omission from the squad is Bara Gueye (Oslo), Senegal’s standout player at the African U15 School Championship in Zimbabwe. Initially shortlisted, he withdrew due to an injury sustained during the preparatory camp.

To fine-tune their preparations, the Lionceaux will embark on a training stint in Tunisia, facing a friendly match against the Tunisian U17 to sharpen their competitive edge before the tournament kicks off.