Central African Republic U17 coach Dertin Boulengue has issued a public apology after accusing Cameroon of fielding overage players in the UNIFFAC U17 tournament.
His initial remarks, made following his team’s defeat in the opening match, sparked widespread controversy across media and social platforms.
The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) firmly rejected the allegations, dismissing them as unfounded. In response, the federation also announced that it would take necessary actions to address the claims.
Boulengue clarifies his comments
After the conclusion of the tournament, in which the Central African Republic secured qualification for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Boulengue retracted his earlier statements and expressed regret over the situation.
I would like to apologise to the Cameroon Football Federation, UNIFFAC and CAF.
My remarks were misinterpreted and took on an unexpected scale on social media,” Boulengue told the press on Saturday.
He insisted that his comments were never intended to be inflammatory but were instead misunderstood in the heat of the moment.
I would like to clarify that they were not intended to be negative.
Football is above all a vehicle for respect and brotherhood.
Having myself played as a player and then captain of the Central African national team, I fully appreciate the importance of words in this environment, he added.
A call for unity
Recognising the historical and cultural ties between Cameroon and the Central African Republic, Boulengue emphasised his desire to move past the controversy.
Cameroon and the Central African Republic are linked by a common history and values, and my wish is that we can turn this page and move forward together, he said.
His apology marks an attempt to de-escalate tensions between the two nations, whose young footballers continue to compete on the continental stage.
With both teams looking ahead to the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, attention now shifts back to the competition itself rather than the off-field dispute.
