Senegal’s 4-0 win over Morocco in the U15 African Schools Championship semi-final has stirred up quite a bit of controversy. Following the defeat, many Moroccan fans are now calling for an official investigation into the ages of the Senegalese players.
After the match, played on April 9 in Zimbabwe, Moroccan observers raised concerns over the physical appearance and apparent maturity of several Senegalese players.
The main argument from the Moroccan side centers on what many describe as a striking physical disparity between the two teams.
They have pointed to differences in height, physique, and facial maturity, with some claiming that certain players appeared clearly older than the U15 age category.
Another reported issue is the absence of systematic MRI testing in school-level U15 tournaments. Unlike U17 continental competitions, where bone-age scans are more commonly used, the U15 schools championship does not always require the same level of medical age verification.
This has led Moroccan voices to call for an official inquiry by CAF, with some reports suggesting that an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is also being considered.
Morocco has accused Senegal of age cheating after their U15 game in the African Schools Championshippic.twitter.com/Da22uj0Aq9
— Troll Football Media (@TrollFootball2) April 10, 2026
The 2019 precedent in Senegalese youth football
This has also revived memories of an earlier case involving Senegal’s youth teams. In 2019, conflicting versions emerged regarding reports that eight Senegalese players had been excluded ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil over age-related concerns.
At the time, several local and international media outlets reported that the players had failed MRI tests and were removed for suspected age fraud. However, the Senegalese Football Federation firmly denied that FIFA had officially excluded any players.
The Senegalese staff had conducted their own MRI tests during the preparation phase on a wider preliminary squad, and the players in question were removed internally before the final 21-man list was submitted to FIFA.
This is now being cited by Moroccans in the current debate. The issue has also brought renewed attention to past statements from former Senegal international Guirane N’Daw, who in 2020 openly admitted: “In Senegal, 99% of players have reduced their age. Like all Senegalese players, I reduced my age in order to become a professional.”
That quote has resurfaced widely following the U15 semi-final and is adding fuel to the demands for transparency.
Senegal is currently through to the final against Uganda, but the result could yet face disciplinary scrutiny if Morocco files an official complaint.
The focus should now turn to whether CAF will decide to launch a formal investigation into the young player’s eligibility.
