Former Senegal international defender Lamine Sané has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal national under-17 football team, known as the Lionceaux. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the appointment on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Sané, 39, enjoyed a long professional playing career, most notably as captain for both the Senegal national team and French club FC Girondins de Bordeaux. He retired from playing in 2023. This marks his first major coaching role at the national team level.
His immediate task will be to prepare the team for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON U17). The tournament is scheduled to be held in Morocco. The official dates and full tournament schedule for the 2026 edition are yet to be confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The appointment is seen as part of a broader strategy by the FSF to integrate former national team stars into the coaching structure to develop youth talent for the senior Lions team.
