U17 AFCON: Lions seal quarter-final, World Cup tickets.

Cameroon U17 team punched their AFCON quarter-final ticket and World Cup ticket after securing a narrow win over bordered neighbours the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC Congo.

They registered the win during their final Group B match at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Sale, Morocco.

Cameroon U17 Lions only needed a point to secure qualification, but they walked away with all three. Against a determined DR Congo side, Alioum Saidou’s young Indomitable Lions were forced to stay patient and resilient for much of the match.

The breakthrough finally arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Omar Tsombeng rose highest to power home a fierce header in the 45+6th minute, sending the Cameroonian bench into celebration.

In the second half, Cameroon managed their lead with greater composure and defensive solidity. It was not a spectacular display, but it was effective enough to secure a second victory of the campaign and, most importantly, direct qualification for the next stage. The tournament ended with three defeats from three matches for DR Congo.

Cameroon will face Morocco in the quarter-final on May 24 in Sale. The other matches in group B delivered drama right until the final whistle. 

Côte d’Ivoire were held to a 2-2 draw by Uganda. The result means that Cote d’Ivoire finished top of the table with seven points while Uganda ended their group campaign on the third spot with four points and grabbed a World Cup playoff spot.

In group A, host Morocco maintained their unbeaten start. They edged North African rivals Egypt 2-1 to top the table with 7 points. Egypt came second with four points while Ethiopia on third advanced to the playoff spot. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3794 of Thursday May 21, 2026