Uniffac 2024: U20 Lions crash out of AFCON race after shootout defeat against Congo

By Esther E. Otto

In a gripping encounter at the UNIFFAC U20 Tournament, the Junior Lions  faced a tough challenge against DR Congo, with the stakes high for qualifications to the TotalEnergiesU20 AFCON.

The match unfolded with intense drama, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

DR Congo scored an early goal, putting the Junior Lions on the back foot. Undeterred, Yvan Kenmoe’s boys rallied with unwavering determination, eventually finding the equalizer after Congo was reduced to 10-men. The resulting penalty was converted by Angel Yondjo, leveling the score at 1-1 as the regular time came to a close.

As the tension mounted, the fate of both teams was decided in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Tragically for Cameroon, they fell short, bowing out 3-4 in the shootout.

Angel Yondjo and Harouna Djibril’s missed penalties dashed Cameroon’s hopes of progressing to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the end of their campaign in the tournament.

The DR Congo will celebrate their hard-fought victory while Cameroon’s U20  reflects on what would have been.

The loss serves as a bitter pill to swallow for the  U20 Lions  who fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in the face of a determined DR Congo U20 side.

Despite the disappointment, Cameroon displayed resilience and spirit throughout the tourney, showcasing their potential for the future.