The U-17 Lions of Cameroon have suffered a 0-2 defeat to Mali in their first game of the 2023 U-17 African Nations Cup (AFCON), underway in Algeria.
AFCON U17: Cameroon Suffers First Defeat in Title Defence
Defending champions of the U-17 AFCON after winning the last edition of the competition in Rwanda 2019, Cameroon collapsed late in the game on Thursday evening at the 19 May 1956 stadium in Annaba, Algeria.
Goals from Mahamoud Barry and Mamadou Doumbia settled the contest in Mali's favor late in the game. The baby lions were left to regret the several wasted chances in the first half.
Cameroon sat out of the first round of games in the competition after one of Group C members South Sudan, was disqualified from the competition, leaving them with just three teams.
Mali, who had dispatched Burkina in the first game, had a tough first half as Cameroon threatened through Dorinel Matah, Cosmas Tiku, and co.
Harouna Djibirin and Yondjo came closest for Cameroon but failed to hit the back of the net.
A tight contest at the 19 May 1956 stadium looked like it would end on parity. Still, Mahamoud Barry fired past goalkeeper Junior Abou Lopez with four minutes left to play before Mamadou Doumbia's stunning finish in stoppage time secured a comfortable 2-0 win for Mali.
What Next?
The defeat means Cameroon is now bottom of Group C and faces a must-win game against Burkina Faso on Sunday if they want to keep their dreams of reaching their knockout phase alive.
Regarding Mali, they are sure of finishing top group C and are already through to the quarter-finals.
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