In a clash of two heavyweights, Ivory Coast and Cameroon will meet in a crucial match in Marrakesh, looking to seize control of Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Both sides came out on top in their respective opening games of the competition, and they will be looking to consolidate their positions.
Ivory Coast got the start they wanted against Mozambique; although not perfect, they got the job done courtesy of Amad Diallo’s second-half effort.
Coming into this year’s competition, the West Africans have enjoyed solid form, losing 1 and drawing another one of their last seven fixtures.
Cameroon, on the other hand, did not have the best of preparations for this competition, as they were rocked by administrative issues.
But that did not hold them back in their first encounter of the 2025 competition, as they picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Gabon.
That said, their lack of consistency is still a source of worry for many of their fans.
Looking to secure their place in the round of 16 early, they will have to pull out all stops to get past a strong Ivorian side.
How the bookies view it:
Ivory Coast are the favourites to win this contest according to the bookies, and are priced at 21/20 to claim the win. A victory for Cameroon is set at 16/5.
Head-to-head: Ivory Coast on top
Previous meetings between these two, especially the last five, have been closely fought. That said, Ivory Coast maintains a marginal advantage with two wins and a draw in their last five meetings.
Player to watch: Bryan Mbeumo
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has been one of the go-to players for the Indomitable Lions since he earned his first call-up to the team.
The former Brentford man proved his mettle as a creative force by providing the assist for Cameroon’s solitary goal in the opening match.
Probable line-ups
Both teams are replete with quality, and any of the players in their respective squads are good enough to be named in the starting XI. However, with no suspensions or injuries on either side, the coaches are likely to send out familiar teams.
Ivory Coast: Fofana, Konan, Ndicka, Kossonou, Doue, Sangare, Seri, Kessie, Diomande, Zaha, Diallo
Cameroon: Epassy, Malone Junior, Kotto, Nouhou, Tchamadeu, Avom, Namaso, Dina Ebimbe, Yongwa, Mbeumo, Etta Eyong
Anything else that catches the eye?
In the last 10 games involving Ivory Coast, neither team scored. Similarly, the last six encounters of Cameroon failed to return goals from the two teams. Hence, both teams to score – no could be a viable option, and it is available on Bet365 at 3/5.
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