2026 U-17 AFCON: We’re in a tough group – Cameroon coach Alioum Seydou

Cameroon U-17 coach Alioum Seydou admits his outfit are paired in a tough group at the upcoming 2026 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon face a demanding path from the outset

The young Indomitable Lions has already touched down in Morocco with renewed determination and continental ambition, as they begin preparations for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Arriving in Rabat after a friendly outing in Casablanca, the young Indomitable Lions were immediately immersed in what is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most advanced football environments—the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

“We arrived in Rabat at night after a friendly match in Casablanca, and as soon as we entered the Mohammed VI Complex, we were amazed… It is truly an impressive venue,” he said, speaking to the official website of the Confederation of African Football.

“We are in a very tough group. The last edition was a harsh lesson for us after being eliminated in the first round, despite having a fantastic technical team,” he admitted.

Beyond immediate results, Seydou emphasized long-term development as the core objective of the project. He highlighted the importance of structured youth systems, talent identification programmes, and continuity between age categories and the senior national team.

He explained that Cameroon’s investment in grassroots football and talent development systems is now beginning to produce visible results, allowing players to transition more smoothly into higher levels of competition.

With pressure mounting in a competitive group, the coach revealed that much of the current training camp is centred on psychological preparation. The goal is to reduce pressure on the young squad and encourage creative, fearless football.

He believes that mental stability will be just as important as tactical discipline if Cameroon are to progress deep into the tournament.