Cameroon have secured their place at the CAN U20 finals after overturning a deficit to beat Gabon 4-1 in the semi-finals of the Central African qualifiers.

The match was played on Wednesday at Olembe Stadium in Yaounde, where Yvan Kenmoe’s side recovered from going 1-0 down. Cameroon also benefited from a numerical advantage as they completed a decisive victory.

Joachim Songue, also known as Almasi Mbaya, scored twice to lead the comeback. Samuel Achu of Canon Yaounde and Bengono Manga of PWD Bamenda were also on target for the Indomitable Lions.

The qualification marks Cameroon’s return to the final tournament after they missed the previous two editions, in 2023 and 2025.

Central African Republic also booked its place earlier on Wednesday, defeating Congo Brazzaville 2-0 in Yaounde.

The two qualifiers from the Central African region join the eight teams that had already secured their places through the other regional competitions.

Morocco and Egypt qualified from North Africa through UNAF. Ghana, who will host the tournament, and Burkina Faso progressed from the West Africa B section, UFOA B.

Sudan and Tanzania will represent the East Africa region after qualifying through CECAFA, while South Africa and Mozambique secured the two places available from Southern Africa through COSAFA.

Two places remain to be allocated, with Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Mauritania competing for them in the West Africa A qualifiers, organised by UFOA A.

The final two qualification places will determine the complete line-up for the CAN U20 tournament.