UFOA-B U17 Tournament 2026: The Elephanteaux fall to Niger in the final

Côte d’Ivoire’s Elephanteaux saw their campaign come to an end with a defeat in the final of the 2026 UFOA-B U17 Tournament, held in Ouagadougou. Facing Niger’s Mena, the young Ivorians lost on penalties (2-2, 1-3 on penalties) this Friday at the 4-August Stadium. Despite this disappointment, they can take satisfaction from securing a third consecutive qualification for the final stage of the continental competition.

Côte d’Ivoire will not lift the 2026 UFOA-B U17 Tournament trophy. However, the young Elephants made a strong start to their final against Niger. But after a closely contested match, the Ivorians eventually succumbed in the penalty shootout, allowing the Mena to claim the title.

At Ouagadougou’s 4-August Stadium, the two teams were level at the end of regulation time, with the score 2-2. The decisive penalty shootout was therefore needed to separate the sides. In that exercise, the Nigeriens proved more clinical, winning 3-1 on penalties.

A cruel ending for the Ivorians, who had hoped to crown their campaign with a regional title. This defeat in the final will inevitably leave regrets, given the hopes raised by their run.

A third consecutive qualification for the final stage

Although the disappointment is significant after losing the final, the Elephanteaux can nevertheless take one major source of satisfaction from the tournament: their qualification for the final stage of the U17 AFCON for the third consecutive time.

This consistency demonstrates the ability of the Ivorian national team to remain among the competitive sides in the sub-region at this age level. Despite failing to win the trophy in Ouagadougou, the young Ivorians achieved their qualification objective and can now turn their attention to the continental tournament.

Côte d’Ivoire will need to learn the lessons from this defeat to Niger in order to better prepare for the next challenge. For although the title eluded them, the priority now is to turn this experience into strength for the final stage of the U17 AFCON.

Editor: ‏Charles Zahe

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