Central African Coach Speaks Out After 9-0 Loss, Raises Age Fraud Concerns!

Cameroon's U17 team crushed the Central African Republic (CAR) 9-0 to get off to a strong start in the UNIFFAC qualifications for the 2025 U17 AFCON. However, the age fraud controversy in young football has been rekindled by this outstanding achievement.

Dertin Boulengue, the head coach of CAR, admitted that the two teams' physical and technical skill levels were obviously different, but he also noted that MRI testing were performed prior to the event to make sure the players were of legal age.

"The competition is for U17s. Everyone saw the match, and the balance of power was not the same. But since the MRI tests were done, we have to accept the result and focus on the next games."

However, Jean Louis Botekahe, CAR’s assistant coach, strongly questioned Cameroon’s squad, claiming the players were much older than 17.

"These players aren't U17. Some may be as young as 25! Take a look at the goalie's clearance, which extends from side to side! Is that possible for a 16-year-old? Doctors from Cameroon performed the MRI tests. We faced off against grownups.

This controversy follows a similar incident in 2022 in Cameroon, where Fecafoot, led by Samuel Eto'o, dismissed over 20 players for age fraud.

Cameroon is still focused on making it to Morocco for the U17 AFCON despite the charges. CAR will try to make a comeback against Congo in their upcoming game on February 16 against DR Congo.