U17 AFCON: Ivory Coast win Group B, Cameroon confirm World Cup place

Ivory Coast and Cameroon punched their tickets to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year after both teams achieved victories on Tuesday to finish up action in Group B from the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U17 AFCON).

Côte d’Ivoire take the lead again.#U17AFCON | #CIVUGA pic.twitter.com/GhPlB8ujAe

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 19, 2026

The Ivorians overcame a stingy Uganda team to win 2-1 courtesy of a 78th minute finish from Souleymane Kone. It appeared that Kone was well offside when the flag went up, but a review revealed that a Ugandan defender tackled the ball into the path of the goal scorer to negate the offside rule in this case.

It was a disappointing result for Uganda’s Cubs, who got off to a strong start before suffering close defeats to Tuesday’s opponents as well as Cameroon three days prior. However, they still remain in contention to qualify for the World Cup after finishing third in the group. The Cubs will face the third place team from Group D (Algeria, Senegal, South Africa or Ghana) in an elimination match.

In the other match from the group played simultaneously, Cameroon confirmed second place with a 1-0 victory over regional rivals DR Congo.

It was not a particularly entertaining clash but the Cameroonians were opportunistic at the crucial moment. Deep into first half stoppage time, a quickly taken free kick led to Oumar Tsombeng’s match winner from a rebound for the important goal that would secure World Cup qualification.

Group A set to finish up at U17 AFCON

Action from the tournament continues later on Tuesday, where Group A will finish. Morocco and Egypt are co-leaders in the group and will face off while Tunisia and Ethiopia also clash, with both teams on one point each.