DR Congo U17s Make History With First-Ever AFCON Qualification

DR Congo U17s Make History with First-Ever AFCON Qualification

By Niyi Busari 

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s U17 side secured a historic qualification for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations after defeating the Central African Republic 2-1 on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at the Stade Tata Raphaël in Kinshasa, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The match formed part of the second round of the UNIFFAC zonal tournament, which serves as the qualifying competition for the U17 continental championship.

Following an earlier 3-1 victory over Gabon, DR Congo’s latest triumph confirmed their place at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations — marking the country’s first-ever qualification for the tournament since its inception in 1995. More than three decades after the competition was established, the Congolese youngsters have finally reached the continental finals.

Both DR Congo and Cameroon have now secured qualification and will meet in the final of the zonal tournament on Friday, 27 February 2026, again at the Stade Tata Raphaël, to determine the 2026 UNIFFAC champion.