Cameroon started the UNIFFAC U17 Tournament 2026 in the best possible way, inflicting a resounding 5-1 defeat on Gabon in their opening match. The match took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, where the entire tournament is being held. The Cameroonian goalscorers were Omar Amir Tsombeng, Arnold Massekon, Stanley Tendiangku, Rony Balliag, and Moussa Cherif Abas, who helped the Young Lions turn the tide after falling behind.
The match started badly for the young Cameroonians, with a goal conceded in the 10th minute by Elysée Peindi for Gabon. However, the Young Lions reacted quickly, showing character and determination. They managed to equalize before taking the lead and dominating the rest of the match, scoring four more goals to seal a convincing victory. The UNIFFAC U17 tournament serves as qualification for the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
This victory allows Cameroon to take the lead in the standings in this zonal tournament. The team demonstrated its ability to overcome adversity and clearly shows its ambition to win the tournament and qualify for the U17 AFCON 2026. The Cameroonian coach, Saidou Alioum, can be satisfied with the performance of his players, who were able to impose their rhythm and firepower against an overwhelmed Gabonese team.
The UNIFFAC U17 Tournament, which takes place from February 17 to March 2, 2026, is a crucial step for teams from the Central African region wishing to participate in the U17 AFCON 2026. The competition brings together six countries: Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. These nations are divided into two groups of three, and the two finalists will obtain their ticket to the U17 AFCON 2026.
However, the tournament got off to a difficult start with the cancellation of the opening match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea. This decision was taken due to the ineligibility of six players from the Equatoguinean team, following MRI tests. The competition regulations stipulate that a maximum of three players can be declared ineligible for this reason.
Cameroon's next match, scheduled for February 20, will be against the Central African Republic. This match will already be decisive for the ambitions of the Cameroonians, who aim to retain their title and qualify for the U17 AFCON 2026. The Young Lions will have to confirm their good performance against Gabon and show the same determination to win.
In conclusion, Cameroon made a successful entry into the UNIFFAC U17 Tournament 2026 by dominating Gabon with a score of 5-1. This victory, achieved thanks to goals from Omar Amir Tsombeng, Arnold Massekon, Stanley Tendiangku, Rony Balliag and Moussa Cherif Abas, places the Young Lions in a favorable position for qualification for the U17 AFCON 2026. The next match against the Central African Republic will be an important test to confirm the team's ambitions.
