Gambia have been crowned champions of the 2026 WAFU Zone A U-17 Championship after defeating hosts Senegal 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in the final at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium in Dakar on Sunday.
The Young Scorpions and Senegal’s Young Lions, who emerged as the two standout sides of the tournament, also shared the major individual awards.
Gambian midfielder Omar Badjie was named the tournament’s Best Player, while Senegal captain Assane Sarr received the Best Goalkeeper award.
The tournament’s top-scorer award was also shared, with Senegal’s Cheikh Oumar Sy and Gambian striker Alieu Saine finishing with four goals each.
The final produced a closely contested West African derby, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to break the deadlock during 90 minutes.
With the score tied at 0-0 at the end of regulation time, the title was decided by a penalty shootout.
The Baby Scorpions held their nerve from the spot to secure a 5-4 victory and lift the WAFU Zone A U-17 trophy.
The triumph caps an unbeaten campaign for The Gambia, who had earlier drawn 0-0 with Senegal in the group stage before defeating Liberia 2-1 in the semi-final.
By reaching the final, The Gambia had already secured qualification for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, scheduled to be hosted by Morocco.
Their victory over the defending champions on home soil now gives the Young Scorpions the WAFU-A title and further strengthens their credentials ahead of next year’s continental competition.
Both The Gambia and Senegal have emerged as teams to watch at the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations following their performances in the regional tournament.