The Uganda U-17 Men’s National Team (Cubs) suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in a fiercely contested Group B fixture at the 2026 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 in Morocco, with Abdoulraman Soudeisse’s first-half strike proving decisive.
Uganda entered the encounter full of confidence following their emphatic 3-0 victory over DR Congo in the opening match and started brightly against the Young Lions.
The Cubs showed energy, aggression and intent in the early exchanges as they controlled possession and threatened going forward during the opening stages of the contest.
Despite Uganda’s promising start, Cameroon took the lead midway through the first half. A delivery from the left by Abas Moussa Cherif caused problems inside the area after goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi failed to gather cleanly.
The loose ball eventually fell kindly to Soudeisse, whose effort deflected into the net in the 24th minute.
The goal shifted the momentum of the match as Cameroon gradually settled and grew stronger.
The Young Lions controlled large spells thereafter and managed the game effectively while limiting Uganda’s attacking opportunities to register their first victory of the tournament.
Cameroon’s response was significant after opening their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.
The result moves Cameroon back into contention for a place in the knockout stage and strengthens their hopes of securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Uganda remain on three points ahead of a decisive final group fixture against Ivory Coast.
The Cubs will require a positive result to strengthen their chances of automatic qualification, with defeat potentially leaving them to battle through the playoff route reserved for third-placed teams.
Cameroon will next face DR Congo knowing that another positive result could secure both quarter-final qualification and a coveted place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.
