U-17 AFCON: Cameroon left frustrated in draw with South Africa

Thursday saw another match where Cameroon’s Lion Cubs failed to capitalize on promising play as they were held to a 0-0 draw by South Africa in Group B action from the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

After a thrilling 4-3 victory over Egypt in their opening match, South Africa’s Amajimbos were frequently pinned in their own end and limited to counter-attacks. Cameroon seized the initiative in the opening fifteen minutes but failed to capitalize with striker André Emini coming closest when his shot rattled the post.

This was the theme of the match: Cameroonian dominance but no end product. Les Lionceaux had over twenty shot attempts and eight shots on target while South Africa could only manage a mere three shot attempts.

After South Africa escaped to halftime unscathed, the second half saw the match calm down a bit and Amajimbos did well to endure and obtain a point. Cameroon created a couple more opportunities but a disappointing results leaves the Lion Cubs needing a victory over Egypt on the final day if they wish to advance to the knockout stages.

Group B Table

• The top two finishers qualify for the quarterfinals and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
• The four third place finishers qualify for a playoff, from which two teams qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.