Sunday night in Marrakech brings a familiar African heavyweight clash as Cameroon face defending champions Côte d’Ivoire in a Group F encounter that could shape the rest of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
There is pride and history on the line, but also a modern edge.
Under the Moroccan lights, it becomes a Manchester United subplot, with Amad Diallo driving Ivory Coast forward and Bryan Mbeumo carrying Cameroon’s hopes.
Both made instant impact in the opening round, scoring and collecting Man of the Match awards as their teams beat Mozambique and Gabon.
A win would all but guarantee a place in the last 16 with a game to spare, sharpening the edge of an already intense rivalry.
Ivory Coast began their title defence with a calm, professional victory over Mozambique.
Coach Emerse Faé may freshen his side, with Evan Guessand and Willy Boly pressing for starts, but the Elephants remain built around proven leaders.
Diallo’s pace and flair are complemented by the experience and strength of Wilfried Zaha, Frank Kessié and Seko Fofana, players who know how to handle nights like this.
Cameroon arrive with renewed confidence after seeing off Gabon. Much of the buzz surrounds teenage striker Etta Eyong, whose goal on debut underlined his growing reputation.
He is likely to lead the line again, backed by the drive of Carlos Baleba in midfield, as the Indomitable Lions look to assert their physical presence and game management.
Earlier in the day, Group F survival is on the line when Gabon meet Mozambique. Another defeat for either side would leave qualification hanging by a thread.
Attention will also stretch to Group E, where Algeria, led by Riyad Mahrez, face a confident Burkina Faso side fresh from beating Equatorial Guinea.
Sudan and Equatorial Guinea open the day seeking redemption after losing their first matches.
Sunday December 27 | AFCON 2025 | Group E | Group F
• Gabon vs Mozambique – 3:30 pm
• Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan – 6:00 pm
• Algeria vs Burkina Faso – 8:30 pm
• Ivory Coast vs Cameroon – 11:00 pm
