Cameroon U17 Lions Arrive in Casablanca
The Cameroon U17 national football team, affectionately known as the Lions, has successfully landed at the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at precisely 11:00 AM. The team, led by Coach Saidou Alioum, swiftly proceeded to the IBIS Hotel, which will serve as their base during the crucial acclimatization period ahead of their participation in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) U17 tournament.
Comprising a delegation of 39 individuals, including players and coaching staff, the Lions are acutely aware of the significance of their mission. Captain Chris Karel and his teammates are fully committed to representing Cameroon with pride at the CAN U17 Morocco 2026, and they have appealed to all Cameroonians for support and prayers as they embark on this journey.
Having previously demonstrated their prowess by winning the UNIFFAC U17 tournament earlier this year, the team is now poised to face formidable opponents in the group stage of the CAN. They will compete against the Ivory Coast, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The players, who have closely followed the tournament draw broadcasted live on CAF channels, remain focused and are diligently preparing in Yaoundé, where they have already played five friendly matches, achieving four victories and one draw.
In the tournament structure, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. Additionally, all eight teams that reach the quarter-finals will secure automatic qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026.
Group Composition for the CAN U17 Tournament
The groupings for the tournament are as follows:
- **Group A**: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
- **Group B**: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- **Group C**: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
- **Group D**: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana.
As reported by actucameroun.com.
