By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Cameroon’s Junior Lions have booked their place at the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Gabon 4-1 in the second semifinal of the UNIFFAC U20 Tournament in Yaoundé on Wednesday. The victory at the Olembe Stadium also sends the hosts into the regional final, with Cameroon joining the Central African Republic (RCA) as the two teams to qualify for next year’s continental showpiece in Ghana.
Gabon’s hopes suffered an early blow when they were reduced to ten men just two minutes into the game. The Panthers’ central defender was shown a red card for violently striking an opponent, leaving his teammates to face almost the entire contest with a numerical disadvantage. Despite the setback, Gabon remained competitive and took the lead in the 49th minute when Kewell Litombo converted a penalty, putting Cameroon under pressure to respond.
The Junior Lions eventually found their breakthrough through Joachim Dieudonne Songue Mbock, who equalised in the 59th minute. Samuel Fonyuy Achu then converted a penalty in the 77th minute to put Cameroon in front and swing the contest firmly in the hosts’ favour. With Gabon tiring, Cameroon struck twice in stoppage time, as Songue Mbock completed his brace in the 90+2 minute before Serge Bengono Bengono Manga added a fourth in the 90+4 minute to seal an emphatic victory.
The result rewards Cameroon’s persistence after they were forced to chase the game despite enjoying a numerical advantage for almost the entire match. Songue Mbock’s double proved decisive, while Fonyuy Achu’s penalty helped the Junior Lions take control before the late goals put the outcome beyond doubt. The four-goal haul also gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate at Olembe Stadium.
Cameroon will now join RCA at the 2027 U20 AFCON in Ghana after the Central African Republic defeated Congo 2-0 in the other semifinal. The two nations have secured the qualification places available to the UNIFFAC zone, leaving the regional final to determine the tournament champions.
For coach Yvan Kenmoe and his Junior Lions, qualification represents an important step in their campaign and an opportunity to measure themselves against the continent’s best teams. With their place at the U20 AFCON secured, Cameroon will now seek to complete their home campaign by lifting the UNIFFAC trophy.
English 
French