Both facing perhaps their biggest test yet in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon and host nation Morocco clash on Friday in the quarter-finals at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Indomitable Lions did face defending champions Ivory Coast in the group stage, avoiding defeat, and then overcame dark horses South Africa 2–1 in the round of 16.
This represents an improvement on their performance in the previous edition, which is actually commendable given the off-field challenges Cameroon faced in the build-up to the tournament.
Such results should boost confidence for the Indomitable Lions, who are chasing a sixth continental title and a first since 2017, though they now face a stern test against the host nation, currently Africa’s top-ranked side in the FIFA rankings.
This encounter also presents Morocco with a sterner test than in the earlier rounds, as their only real challenge so far came in a draw against Mali.
The Atlas Lions’s other three group-stage games were against teams ranked below 90th globally, and they have not been completely convincing, having needed a second-half strike from Brahim Diaz to overcome Tanzania in the round of 16.
Tipped as pre-tournament favourites, Morocco have an opportunity to make a statement as they pursue a second AFCON title, their only previous triumph coming in 1976.
How the bookies view it: Morocco priced too low?
While the clash is expected to be competitive, the odds highlight a significant gap between the sides.
Morocco’s chance of winning in regulation time is priced at 3/5 with Ladbrokes, nearly four times the probability of Cameroon doing the same at 4/1. The likelihood of the match going beyond 90 minutes is available at 12/5.
Head-to-head: Fond recent memories for Morocco
Morocco had failed to win in their 11 previous meetings with Cameroon, but thei last two encounters went in favour of the North Africans, having won 2–0 in the 2018 AFCON qualifiers before recording a 4–0 victory in the 2021 African Nations Championship.
Players to watch: Brahim Diaz to extend scoring streak?
Brahim Diaz leads the AFCON Golden Boot race, scoring in each of Morocco’s previous four games.
All eyes will be on the Real Madrid winger to see if he can continue his streak on Friday, and the odds for him to score again look attractive at 12/5 on Bet365.
Probable line-ups
Cameroon are assessing the fitness of Carlos Baleba and Darlin Yongwa, both of whom were forced off against South Africa.
Morocco will be without midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a leg injury, while veteran defender Romain Saiss is also expected to miss the match as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained in the opening game against Comoros.
Cameroon: Epassy; M. Junior, Kotto, Nouhou; Tchamadeu, Avom, Kemen, Nagida; Mbeumo, Namaso; Kofane
Morocco: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, El Kaabi, Ezzalzouli
Anything else that catches the eye?
Morocco have dominated the corners in each of their previous four AFCON matches, registering at least four more than their opponents in each game.
Cameroon, in contrast, have recorded at least three fewer corners than their opponents in two of their four tournament matches, so based on this, Morocco -2 handicap corners at 1/1 on Bet365 looks appealing.
Morocco have yet to concede before half-time, while most goals have come after the interval in three of their four matches. The 6/5 for more goals in the second half with Ladbrokes is worth considering.
None of Cameroon’s last 11 games have seen over 3.5 goals, while Morocco are unbeaten in their last 22 matches. Combining these trends, Morocco 1X & under 3.5 goals at 5/12 with Betano looks like solid value.
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