Cameroon retain UNIFFAC U17 crown, seal U17 AFCON place with regional triumph
The Indomitable Cubs of Cameroon have secured qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 after winning the Union of Central African Football Federations (UNIFFAC) U17 title.
The Cameroonian youngsters were crowned champions after their 2-0 victory over the Juinor Leopards of DR Congo on the final matchday, played on Friday.
The Indomitable Cubs retained their UNIFFAC title of the competition that was played at the Tata Raphaël Stadium from February 17 to March 2, 2026, in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
Cameroon made the difference through goals from Rony Balang (10th minute) and Arnold Massekon (49th minute), who scored the two decisive goals of the match in the UNIFFAC qualifying tournament.
This victroy helped Cameroon to retain their regional title, which they also won in the previous edition played on home soil. .
The Indomitable Cubs have therefore secured qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026, alongside the Congolese team, who also qualify.
Earlier in the day, Gabon defeated the Central African Republic 3-0.
Noguy Nlemadielane (12th minute), Basile Marvin (84th minute) and Destinée Nyambi (89th minute) scored for the U17 Panthers, who finished third in this Central African regional youth championship.
Top scorer of the tournament
Congolese forward Delpierrot Lithofe Ntali finished as the top scorer of the UNIFFAC U17 tournament, with three goals in three matches played.
Tournament Results
Matchday One – February 18, 2026 (Stade Tata Raphaël)
Cameroon vs Gabon: 5-1
Matchday Two – February 21, 2026 (Tata Raphaël Stadium)
Gabon vs DR Congo: 1-3
Central African Republic vs Cameroon: 0-2
Matchday Three – February 24, 2026 (Tata Raphaël Stadium)
DR Congo vs Central African Republic: 2-1
Matchday Four – February 27, 2026 (Tata Raphaël Stadium)
Central African Republic vs Gabon: 0-3
DR Congo vs Cameroon: 0-3
Final ranking of the UNIFFAC U17 tournament
1st: Cameroon
2nd: Democratic Republic of Congo
3rd: Gabon
4th: Central African Republic