UNIFFAC: Equatorial Guinea well on its way to the U17 women’s title

The inaugural UNIFFAC U17 women’s tournament is underway in Equatorial Guinea, and the host nation appears well-positioned to claim the first trophy. After two days of competition, Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Feminina lead the standings with four points, demonstrating their strength in the early stages of the mini-championship. The tournament, featuring teams from Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic, and DR Congo, is being held across Mongomo and Ebibeyin.

On the opening day, Equatorial Guinea secured a 2-1 victory over Gabon, while Chad and the Central African Republic played out a goalless draw. The second day saw more closely contested matches, with all games ending in draws: Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo shared a 1-1 result, while Gabon and the Central African Republic also finished 1-1. These early results have set the stage for a competitive tournament, with several teams still in contention for the top spot.

Under the leadership of UNIFFAC President Gustavo Edu Ndong, the tournament marks the beginning of the federation’s activities for 2020, emphasizing the development of women’s football in Central Africa. The championship aims to provide young female players with international experience and exposure, while also fostering regional competition and collaboration among member associations.

The schedule for the upcoming matches keeps the tournament tightly contested. On Saturday, Chad will face Gabon, while DR Congo takes on the Central African Republic. Monday will see DR Congo challenge Chad, and the Central African Republic will play against host Equatorial Guinea. The final round of matches is set for Wednesday, with Equatorial Guinea meeting Chad and Gabon taking on DR Congo. These fixtures will be crucial in determining which team ultimately lifts the trophy, as every point will count in the round-robin format.

Equatorial Guinea’s early dominance, particularly their attacking display against Gabon, highlights the depth and talent of their squad. Nzalang Feminina have combined technical skill with tactical discipline, allowing them to control matches and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their performance sends a strong message to other competing nations and sets a benchmark for youth women’s football in the region.

Meanwhile, other teams are striving to find consistency, with several matches ending in draws demonstrating competitive parity. DR Congo, Gabon, Chad, and the Central African Republic are all seeking opportunities to challenge the hosts and make their mark in this inaugural tournament. Each team’s performance in the coming fixtures will be decisive, as the points accumulated over the remaining matches will ultimately determine the winner.

The UNIFFAC U17 women’s tournament represents a key step in strengthening youth football in Central Africa, providing a platform for emerging talent and promoting the growth of the women’s game. With the championship unfolding in Equatorial Guinea, the host nation is aiming to leverage home advantage and their experienced squad to secure the first-ever title, while other participants continue to compete fiercely for regional recognition and development opportunities.