Yaounde, Cameroon – (African Boulevard News) – Defending champions Cameroon may have exited the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Algeria at the group stages, but the Indomitable Cubs leave a lasting memory on most they interacted with.
After their opening game loss, Cameroon revived their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Tunisia thanks to a late winner from Kepeden. However, in their final group game against Morocco, a 3-1 loss meant their defense of the title ended in the first round.
Despite their early exit, the Indomitable Cubs won many hearts in their host city Annaba. The young Cameroonians showed great talent on the pitch and even greater sportsmanship off the field. They were a joy to watch and had a great attitude throughout their stay in Algeria.
The team’s Head Coach, Anicet Mbarga, was disappointed with the early exit but spoke positively about the experience the team gained in Algeria. “Our objective was to retain the title, but we were unable to achieve that. However, we are taking back a lot of positives from this tournament. The team has learnt a lot from the experience, and we will build on that to become stronger in the future,” Mbarga said.
Mbarga also expressed pride in the team’s conduct throughout the tournament, adding that Cameroon’s performance on the pitch was not the only reason they left a lasting impression.
“The team was not only good on the pitch but also represented our country with great honor and dignity. They were disciplined, respectful and showed great camaraderie within the team and with other teams and officials. These traits are what we expect from our young players, and I am proud of what we have achieved on and off the field,” Mbarga said.
The tournament was won by Ivory Coast, who defeated Guinea in the final 2-1. However, Cameroon’s early exit does not take away from their overall performance. The team’s positive attitude, sportsmanship, and great talent ensured they leave Algeria with a place in the hearts of many.
In conclusion, Cameroon may have exited the tournament early, but they won the hearts of many in Annaba. The Indomitable Cubs may not have retained their title, but their great talent, sportsmanship, and positive attitude have left a lasting memory on all who interacted with them. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these young stars.
