Defending champions Ivory Coast and five-time winners Cameroon lock horns in a decisive Group F clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakesh on Sunday, December 28, with both sides targeting early qualification to the knockout stages.
Both teams arrive level on three points after winning their openers, meaning victory for either continental giant would be enough to seal progression and potentially decide who tops the group.
Ivory Coast began their title defence with a controlled 1–0 win over Mozambique on December 24, thanks to a second-half strike from Manchester United forward Amad Diallo. Under Emerse Faé, the Elephants maintained the disciplined, possession-based style that carried them to AFCON glory in 2023, with Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré dictating play from midfield.
The result extended Ivory Coast’s strong competitive form to four wins, one draw and one defeat in their last six matches, conceding just once in that run. As holders, they are chasing a rare feat ;the first nation since Egypt in 2010 to successfully defend an AFCON title.
Cameroon also made a winning start, edging Gabon 1–0 despite a turbulent build-up to the tournament. Bryan Mbeumo provided the assist as Karl Etta Eyong scored his first senior international goal, a strike confirmed by VAR and recorded as the second-fastest in Cameroon’s AFCON history.
Historically, the fixture has been finely balanced. Ivory Coast hold a narrow edge with 10 wins to Cameroon’s nine in 21 meetings, and the Elephants are unbeaten in their last five encounters.
