By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Defending champions Ivory Coast will face five-time winners Cameroon in a blockbuster Group F clash at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON on Sunday December 28, with both sides aiming to take command of the group after narrow opening victories.
The match at Stade de Marrakech kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT, pitting the Elephants against the Indomitable Lions in what promises to be a tense, high-stakes battle between two of Africa’s powerhouse teams.
Both nations kicked off their campaigns with hard-fought 1-0 wins on Dec. 24. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored the lone goal for Ivory Coast in a dominant but profligate display against Mozambique, breaking the deadlock early in the second half.
Cameroon, meanwhile, edged Gabon thanks to Karl Etta Eyong’s early strike, marking their first AFCON victory over their neighbors and underscoring their trademark resilience in the tournament play.
A victory this Sunday would put the winner in pole position to top the group and advance comfortably to the round of 16, while also delivering an early psychological blow in Morocco’s winter tournament.
These storied rivals have produced classic encounters over the years, often guarded affairs settled by fine margins or individual brilliance. Sports pundits anticipate another tactical showdown, with midfield dominance likely to prove decisive.
Ivory Coast’s solid backline, featuring seasoned defenders, will be tested by Cameroon’s potent attackers, including Premier League talents like Bryan Mbeumo. On the flip side, the Lions’ organized defense must neutralize the Elephants’ speedy wide players and creative flair on the counter.
Cameroon boasts five AFCON crowns, while Ivory Coast have three — including their dramatic home triumph in 2023. This latest meeting adds another layer to a fierce rivalry filled with unforgettable moments.
For the Elephants, success would reinforce their credentials as serious contenders to become the first repeat champions since Egypt in 2010. For Cameroon, it would signal their intent to chase a sixth title and reclaim their spot atop the continental hierarchy.
The Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon rivalry remains neck-and-neck heading into their December 28 clash. While Cameroon leads the all-time head-to-head (10 wins to 8), Ivory Coast has dominated lately, losing just once in their last five meetings. From the iconic 1992 AFCON shootout to modern-day battles, history suggests this next chapter will be just as tight.
Stade de Marrakech is set for a charged atmosphere under the lights, as fans from both camps are expected to create a vibrant backdrop for this marquee matchup. With Ivory Coast carrying momentum from their recent success and Cameroon drawing on their famed knockout pedigree, neutrals can expect a cautious start, intense battles in the middle and a outcome hanging on the slimmest of edges.
This is the sort of epic confrontation that can shape an entire tournament — and neither team will give ground easily.
