U-17 AFCON: Ivory Coast show finishing superiority in victory over Cameroon

Two goals early in the second half secured a strong start for Ivory Coast in a 2-0 victory over Cameroon to begin Group B at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) in Morocco.

Hubert Yao corse l’addition sur un lobe parfaitement ajusté.
CIV 🇨🇮 2
CMR 🇨🇲 0 pic.twitter.com/ewfgKV1B0b

— Dobe Aboubacar (@DobeAboubacar) May 13, 2026

A quick attack from a 52nd minute throw-in ended with the Young Elephants opening the scoring through Ange Nomane, who was left with a simple finish from a Youssouf Diabaté cross. Five minutes later, future FC Nordsjaelland player Hubert Yao showed his quality with an excellent finish after getting behind the defense.

It was an even first half in which the Cameroonians arguably looked like the more dangerous team. Showing more aggression with a direct approach, they were perhaps unlucky to go into halftime without a lead but the Ivorian defense was well-organized.

A different story came after the halftime whistle, however, with Les Éléphanteaux coming to life after gathering themselves during the break. The Cameroonians were caught off guard less than seven minutes in with Nomane’s goal before Yao showed why he is destined for European club football once he turns 18-years-old.

FULL-TIME! 🇨🇮🇨🇲

A brace of goals gives Côte d’Ivoire the first three points in Group B.#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/BPmgVmLRlZ

— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) May 13, 2026

Ivory Coast appear favorites to win the group now in the early stages. They will clash with DR Congo in their second match on Friday while Cameroon look to bounce back against Uganda on the same day.