Cameroon U17 side secure back-to-back wins in final AFCON preparations

Cameroon’s under-17 team concluded their latest preparation camp with two victories in a single day, offering a positive signal ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The Young Lions recorded wins in both of their evaluation matches on 22 April at the Ngoa-Ekellé Stadium in Yaoundé, as head coach Saïdou Alioum assessed his squad before finalising selections for the tournament.

The first match of the day saw Cameroon face MINTACK FC in the morning, with the national side producing an attacking display to claim a 5-2 victory.

Later in the afternoon, they returned to the pitch to take on TIMO Sport Academy of the Ocean region, securing a second win with a 2-1 scoreline.

These results marked the conclusion of a training camp designed to test the readiness of the squad in competitive conditions.

For the coaching staff, the outcomes provided useful insight into player form and overall team cohesion as preparations enter their final phase.

The morning fixture set the tone for the day, with Cameroon’s young players showing efficiency in front of goal.

Their five-goal performance reflected an ability to create and convert chances, while also maintaining control against their opponents.

Despite conceding twice, the team’s attacking strength ensured a comfortable margin of victory.

The match served as an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate offensive combinations and tactical approaches under match conditions.

In the second encounter, the challenge proved more balanced.

Facing TIMO Sport Academy, Cameroon were required to manage the game more carefully, eventually securing a 2-1 win.

The narrower scoreline highlighted a different aspect of the team’s preparation, focusing on resilience and game management.

Playing two matches in one day also tested the squad’s physical endurance and depth.

Rotations and adjustments allowed the coaching team to observe a wider group of players, providing a clearer picture ahead of the final squad announcement.

Head coach Saïdou Alioum is now expected to make key decisions regarding selection.

With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, the evaluation matches are among the last opportunities to assess players in a competitive setting.

The team’s schedule continues with a lighter workload following the double-header.

Only one training session is planned for Thursday, 23 April, as the players recover and prepare for the next stage of their preparations.

Attention will then turn to the announcement of the final squad, which is expected in the coming days.

That selection will determine the group travelling to Morocco for the tournament, which is set to begin on 13 May.

The recent matches form part of a broader strategy to ensure readiness for the competition.

By facing local opposition, the team has been able to simulate match scenarios while maintaining control over logistics and scheduling.

For the coaching staff, the emphasis has been on balancing performance with assessment.

The results, while positive, also serve as a reference point for identifying areas that may require adjustment before the tournament begins.

The players involved will now await confirmation of their place in the final squad.

Competition for selection is expected to be strong, given the number of individuals who featured during the preparation phase.

Cameroon’s participation in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations represents an important step for the development of young players within the national system.

The tournament offers an opportunity to compete against teams from across the continent at youth level.

The successful completion of the training camp, highlighted by two victories, provides a measure of confidence as the team approaches the competition.

However, the focus now shifts to refining details and ensuring the squad is fully prepared.

As the countdown to the tournament continues, the emphasis remains on readiness and selection.

The performances in Yaoundé have offered encouragement, but the final objective lies in translating preparation into results on the continental stage.