UNIFFAC U20: Cameroon make winning start as DR Congo and Gabon share points
Cameroon made a strong start to the 2026 UNIFFAC U20 Tournament in Yaoundé, defeating Chad 3-0 at the Olembe Stadium as the regional qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations got underway. Jean François Manguele opened the scoring after just two minutes before Samuel Fonyuy Achu converted a 15th-minute penalty and completed his brace in the 23rd minute. The hosts produced an impressive first-half display to establish a commanding advantage and finish the opening matchday with three points and a clean sheet.
The young Indomitable Lions controlled the first half with purpose, moving the ball well and making the most of their opportunities in front of goal. Chad improved after the break and Cameroon lost some of the intensity that had characterised their opening 45 minutes. The visitors were unable to threaten the hosts’ advantage significantly, however, as Cameroon maintained their defensive shape to see out the game and begin their campaign on a positive note.
Head coach Yvan Kenmoe acknowledged that his team dropped in intensity after the interval and said there was work to be done ahead of the next match. “I acknowledge the fact that the team dropped a little in the 2nd half. We already took note of all loopholes and will work on them immediately … substitutes did not also provide the required impact,” Kenmoe said. He nevertheless believes the victory provides an important foundation as Cameroon pursue their main objective of reaching the continental finals.
“The objective is clear, qualify for the AFCON. After this first win we will correct all mistakes before the game against Central Africa then prepare the semi-finals,” Kenmoe added. Cameroon will face the Central African Republic in their next Group A outing, with the hosts knowing another positive result would strengthen their position in the race for the semi-finals. Chad, meanwhile, will have an opportunity to respond when they meet the Central African Republic on the second matchday.
In Group B, defending champions DR Congo were held to a 0-0 draw by Gabon in the second match of the opening day. The Leopards had spells of dominance and looked to impose themselves on the encounter, but Gabon’s disciplined defensive approach frustrated their efforts to find a breakthrough. DR Congo coach Jean Pierre Raoul Shungu had made his ambitions clear before the competition, with the defending champions targeting another regional title, but his side had to settle for a point in their opening fixture.
The tournament resumes on 15 October with the Central African Republic facing Chad at 13:00, before Congo meet Gabon at 16:00, with both matches scheduled at Olembe. The group stage concludes on 18 October, when Cameroon face the Central African Republic at 13:00 and DR Congo take on Congo at 16:00. The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals, and the winners of the two semi-finals will qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Ghana in 2027. With only two qualification places available to the UNIFFAC zone, the battle for progression is already beginning to take shape.