Cameroon national under-17 football team will look to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations when they face DR Congo national under-17 football team on Tuesday.
The Young Lions head into the decisive group-stage encounter with confidence after securing victory over Uganda in their previous match, while DR Congo are attempting to recover from consecutive defeats that have left their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Cameroon are expected to maintain the core of the side that impressed in their last outing, with coach Saidou Alioum likely to once again place his trust in captain Karel Krys and striker Abdoulraman Soudeisse.
The Cameroonian camp has also received a boost ahead of the fixture, with no injury concerns reported within the squad before the important clash.
Goalkeeper Glory Kingue Missinga is expected to start behind a defence made up of Moussa Cherif Abas, Yvan Bodo Bodo, Esingila Georges Mbinde and Eric Bolo.
In midfield, Willy Sandio could partner Soudeisse and captain Krys, while Oumar Tsombeng, Rony Baliag Nougi and Arnold Massokon are expected to lead the attack.
Cameroon’s strong response following their opening defeat to Ivory Coast has revived optimism within the squad, with another victory likely to move them closer to qualification for the next stage of the competition.
For DR Congo, however, the situation is far more urgent.
The young Leopards have suffered defeats in both of their opening group matches and now face a must-win scenario if they are to keep realistic hopes of progression alive.
Despite the difficult start, the Congolese side remain determined to respond positively and correct the mistakes that have affected their performances so far in the tournament.
Hugo Mambote is expected to start in goal for DR Congo, with Sernat Atiso, Sugar Mabanza, Ronel Makela and Issa Kidiaka likely to form the back line.
Titi Exaucé, Ortega Kabundi and Emery Bengele are expected to operate in midfield, while Miradi Mbombo, Paoulo Loko and Séraphin Ntantu could lead the attack.
The match represents a major test for both nations as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Cameroon know victory would place them in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals, while DR Congo require a positive result to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
Betting company 1xBet has installed Cameroon as favourites for the encounter, offering odds of 1.65 for a Cameroonian victory, while a draw is priced at 3.40 and a DR Congo win at 4.80.
With qualification pressure increasing and both sides carrying different objectives into the contest, Tuesday’s meeting is expected to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the group.
