Cameroon U17 extend winless AFCON run after defeat to 10-man Côte d’Ivoire

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Cameroon’s U17 national team endured another frustrating outing at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations after falling 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in their Group B opener on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Sports Complex (Pitch 3) in Rabat, Morocco.

The defeat not only handed the Young Lions a disappointing start to their continental campaign, but also extended a worrying record for the side, who have now gone seven years without winning a match at the U17 AFCON since lifting the title in 2019.

Since returning to the competition in 2023, the U17 Indomitable Lions have managed just one draw and suffered five defeats in six matches, underlining a dramatic decline in fortunes at youth continental level.

After a goalless first half, Cameroon looked capable of taking control of the encounter, especially after Côte d’Ivoire were reduced to 10 men. However, instead of capitalising on their numerical advantage, the Young Lions collapsed in a disastrous five-minute spell.

Ange Nomane opened the scoring in the 52nd minute to put the Ivorians ahead before Hubert Yao doubled the advantage in the 57th minute, effectively sealing the contest and punishing Cameroon’s defensive lapses.

Despite enjoying more possession and having an extra player for a significant period, Cameroon struggled badly in the final third, lacking creativity, urgency and composure in key moments.

The result leaves Cameroon under immediate pressure in Group B. With only two group matches remaining, the Young Lions now need to collect at least four points from the remaining six available to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for the next stage and securing a ticket to the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Failure to respond quickly could see Cameroon’s campaign unravel early, while concerns continue to mount over the nation’s recent struggles at youth level.

The Young Lions must now regroup fast and show far greater efficiency in both boxes if they are to revive their AFCON and World Cup qualification hopes. They face Uganda who beat RDC 3-0 in their next group match.