Côte d’Ivoire national under-17 football team opened their CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) Morocco 2026 campaign in impressive fashion after a disciplined 2-0 victory was secured against Cameroon national under-17 football team on Wednesday, Trybal News.
The Young Elephants delivered a composed and clinical performance in the Group B encounter, with second-half goals from Ange Nomane and Hubert Yao proving enough to hand the West Africans all three points in one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
A balanced opening half was witnessed as both teams attempted to settle into the contest. Cameroon showed flashes of danger through wide attackers Rony Baliag Nougi and Omar Amir Tsombeng, while Côte d’Ivoire remained patient and organised at the back.
As the game progressed, greater control was gradually taken by the Ivorians and their pressure finally paid off in the 52nd minute. Ange Nomane broke the deadlock with a calm finish after sustained attacking play around the Cameroon penalty area.
Cameroon pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their efforts were repeatedly frustrated by a compact Ivorian defence that continued to look threatening on the counterattack.
The victory was eventually sealed late in the game when Hubert Yao added the second goal with a composed finish to cap an excellent outing for the WAFU B champions.
The result handed Côte d’Ivoire a strong start in Group B, which also features Uganda national under-17 football team and debutants DR Congo national under-17 football team.
In the day’s other fixture, Egypt national under-17 football team and Ethiopia national under-17 football team battled to a tense 0-0 draw in Group A.
Several promising moments were created by both sides, although clear-cut opportunities remained limited throughout the encounter. Egypt enjoyed more possession for long periods, while Ethiopia looked dangerous on quick transitions led by forward Dawit Kassaw Yirdaw.
Creativity was shown at times by Egypt’s Mohamed Attia and Ahmed Safwat, but Ethiopia’s disciplined defensive shape continued to frustrate Hussein Abdel Latif’s side until the final whistle.
The draw leaves Group A finely balanced ahead of the later clash involving hosts and defending champions Morocco national under-17 football team and Tunisia national under-17 football team.
Elsewhere in Group B, Uganda were scheduled to face DR Congo later on Wednesday as both nations looked to begin their campaigns on a winning note.
The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) Morocco 2026 also serves as qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, with 10 African nations set to book places at the global tournament later this year.
