The Under-17 Lions of Cameroon stamped their authority on the regional stage, securing their place at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a flawless campaign at the recently concluded UNIFFAC tournament in Douala.
Coach Alioum Saidou’s charges displayed attacking brilliance and defensive solidity, wrapping up their qualification in style with a commanding 6-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, DR Congo, on matchday three, played on Saturday, February 22. Cameroon’s young guns proved unstoppable, finishing the tournament with a perfect record. The final-day goal fest saw Frank Mafany Luma, Abraham Kolly, Oscar Etoundi, Luc Nzene, Amir Tsombeng, and Doumbogo all find the net.
Mafany Luma, representing Best Stars Academy of Limbe, was the tournament’s standout performer, finishing as the top scorer with an impressive tally of eight goals in three matches, including the fastest goal of the tournament. The tournament opener saw the Lions ruthlessly dismantle the Central African Republic, CAR, 9-0, before cruising past Gabon 7-1 on matchday two. With nine points from three games, Cameroon topped the UNIFFAC standings, while DR Congo finished runners-up with six points, also securing a ticket to the continental finals. The Panthèrs of CAR managed three points, while Gabon ended bottom of the table without a point.
The 2025 U-17 AFCON, set to be staged in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, will feature an expanded format of 16 teams for the first time in history. Cameroon have been drawn in Group B, where they will lock horns with Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Egypt in their quest for continental glory. In preparation for the tournament, the Cameroonian Football Federation, FECAFOOT, has scheduled an intensive training camp, with friendly matches lined up against other qualified teams to fine-tune their squad. Coach Alioum Saidou has emphasized a tactical approach focusing on defensive discipline and attacking efficiency. Adding extra incentive to the tournament, the top 10 teams will punch their tickets to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, representing CAF on the global stage.
With their electrifying form in the qualifiers, the Baby Lions will be one of the teams to watch as they aim to lift the trophy and book their place at the World Cup.
