AFCON Heavyweights Collide: Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon in Marrakech Showdown

Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, two giants of African football and winners of two of the last three Africa Cup of Nations titles, will renew their long-standing rivalry when they meet in Marrakech on 28 December in their second Group F fixture of AFCON 2025.

This clash continues a rivalry that stretches back 55 years, with the two nations having met eight times previously at the finals. Cameroon hold the upper hand with five victories, while Côte d’Ivoire have managed just one win in open play, their other two triumphs coming via penalty shoot-outs.

The most recent AFCON meeting between the sides came in 2015, when Max Gradel’s goal gave Côte d’Ivoire a 1–0 win in the group stage, eliminating Cameroon. Historically, Cameroon have often used victories over Côte d’Ivoire as a springboard to success, defeating them en route to titles in 1984, 2000 and 2002.

Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, overcame Cameroon on penalties in the 1992 semi-finals and again in the 2006 quarter-finals, with the latter producing one of the most dramatic shoot-outs in AFCON history, ending 12–11 after Samuel Eto’o missed the only kick.

Overall, the two nations have met 21 times, with each side winning eight matches and five ending in draws. Their rivalry has produced iconic moments, from Cameroon’s dominance in the early 2000s to Côte d’Ivoire’s resurgence in 2015.

This will be their ninth AFCON meeting, making it one of the most frequent fixtures in tournament history. Côte d’Ivoire have lost more AFCON matches only against Egypt, while Cameroon have struggled when facing defending champions, losing all three such encounters since 2008.

Côte d’Ivoire began this tournament with a 1–0 win over Mozambique, extending their unbeaten run in opening matches to 14.

They have not won their second group game in their last five tournaments, a record they will be eager to change. Victory would also mark their 50th AFCON win, placing them among the competition’s elite.

Amad Diallo and Yann Diomandé impressed in the opener, while Franck Kessié continues to be a creative force with five assists since 2019.

Cameroon also opened with a 1–0 win, defeating Gabon with their youngest starting XI in years. Their record in second group matches is strong, with 12 wins from 21, and they have never lost a second game after winning their opener.

Bryan Mbeumo was influential against Gabon, creating six chances, while Karl Etta Eyong scored his first AFCON goal. Victory here would secure Cameroon’s progression to the knockout stages for the 17th time and extend their run of consecutive qualifications to five tournaments.