Cameroon continued their impressive run at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania 2019, securing their second consecutive victory and booking a place in the semi-finals. On Thursday, the Indomitable Lions edged past Morocco in a thrilling 2-1 encounter, demonstrating resilience and composure under pressure.
The match was far from easy for Cameroon. Morocco, who had already impressed in the tournament’s opening matches, proved to be a formidable opponent. Tawfik Bentayeb, in particular, was a constant threat for the Cameroonian defense. After numerous attempts on goal, Bentayeb broke the deadlock just before halftime, giving Morocco a deserved 1-0 lead. It was his second goal of the tournament and highlighted his growing influence in the group stage.
Despite conceding first, Cameroon returned from the break with renewed determination. The Indomitable Lions pressed high and created several opportunities, but Moroccan goalkeeper Taha Mourid was exceptional, making crucial saves and keeping his side in the game. His efforts, however, could not prevent Cameroon from overturning the deficit.
Ismaila Seidou, introduced as a substitute in the second half, proved to be the decisive figure for the Cameroonians. He first scored the equalizer, restoring parity and reigniting his team’s momentum. Then, in the dying moments of the game, Seidou secured the victory in the 92nd minute, sending the Cameroonian bench into celebration and cementing the team’s progression to the semi-finals.
The win not only guarantees Cameroon a place in the semi-finals but also confirms their qualification for the U17 World Cup in Brazil. The team’s tactical discipline, combined with their ability to respond under pressure, has been key to their success in the tournament so far. Cameroon’s coach will now be able to focus on preparing for the knockout stages, confident that his side has the talent and mentality to compete at the highest level.
For Morocco, the defeat is a setback but not the end of their tournament ambitions. The Atlas Cubs still have a chance to progress to the semi-finals, but it will depend on the results of the group’s second match between Senegal and Guinea. Both teams are seeking their first victory in the competition, making that encounter pivotal for Morocco’s hopes of remaining in contention.
The match against Cameroon provided valuable experience for Morocco, particularly for their younger players who were tested against one of the tournament’s strongest sides. While the team will need to regroup, the performance of Tawfik Bentayeb and goalkeeper Taha Mourid shows that Morocco has individual talent capable of influencing high-stakes matches.
Cameroon’s victory reinforces their position as one of the favorites in the competition. With two wins from two games, the Indomitable Lions have combined skill, determination, and tactical intelligence to assert their authority in Group B. As they advance to the semi-finals and look forward to Brazil, Cameroon’s U17 squad has already proven that they are a force to be reckoned with on the African and global stage.
Meanwhile, the rest of Group B remains highly competitive, with Morocco, Senegal, and Guinea all vying for the remaining semi-final spot. The final group matches promise high drama as teams battle not only for tournament progression but also for a chance to represent Africa at the World Cup.
