TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2025: Lopez confident ahead of Cameroon's tournament opener
Published: Saturday, 29 March 2025
The Cameroon U-17 national team touched down in Morocco last week to continue final preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which will run from 30 March to 19 April 2025.
With spirits high in the camp, coach Alioum Saidou and his squad have drawn reassurance from a series of strong performances in three friendly matches since arriving in the North African kingdom.
After falling 3-0 to Cote d'Ivoire last Saturday, the Young Indomitable Lions responded emphatically with an 8-3 demolition of hosts Morocco on Monday.
Goals came from Franck Mafany Luma (2), David Yannick Bondoma (2), André Jordan Emini Zibi (2), Oumar Amir Tsombeng (1), and Arnold Massokon (1).
The team wrapped up its build-up campaign with another morale-boosting victory, edging Uganda 4-3 on Wednesday.
One of the key figures in this Cameroonian side is goalkeeper and captain Junior Abou Lopez, who is preparing to feature in his second TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON following his participation in the 2023 edition held in Algeria.
'First of all, we are very happy with this victory,' said Lopez following the final warm-up match. 'We played three games—lost one against Cote d'Ivoire—but we bounced back well to build confidence for the tournament. That was the goal of these friendlies.'
Looking ahead to Cameroon's opening Group B clash against Burkina Faso on Monday, 31 March, Lopez added: 'We hope to be fully ready for our first match and aim to give everything to win it.' Aiming for the Final
For the young shot-stopper, Cameroon's ambition in Morocco is crystal clear.
'Our objective is to be among the teams that reach the final of this Africa Cup,' said Lopez.
'To our fans back home, all I can ask is that you support and encourage us. It's thanks to your energy, your belief, and your cheers that we can go far in this competition.' Road to the Title and Beyond
Cameroon has been drawn into Group B, based in Casablanca, alongside Burkina Faso, Egypt, and South Africa.
After Monday's opener against Burkina Faso, the Indomitable Lion Cubs will take on South Africa on Thursday, 3 April, before rounding out their group campaign against Egypt on Sunday, 6 April.
Aiming for their third continental title—following triumphs in 2003 and 2019—Cameroon also has their sights set on securing qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, to be held in Qatar from 3 to 27 November.
With more slots available for African teams, a strong showing in Morocco would mark a significant step forward for one of the continent's traditional youth powerhouses.
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