Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon played out an entertaining 1–1 draw in a high-profile Group F clash at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 on Sunday, December 27, at the Stade de Marrakech.
The result keeps both African heavyweights firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout stage as the group heads into its decisive final round of fixtures.
The first half was closely contested, with both sides showing attacking intent but failing to find the breakthrough.
Ivory Coast’s Vakoun Bayo came close with a header that drifted narrowly over the bar, while Cameroon saw one effort tipped onto the crossbar, underlining the fine margins between the two teams.
The deadlock was finally broken six minutes after the restart.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo fired Côte d’Ivoire into the lead in the 51st minute with a composed strike from just outside the penalty area.
The goal, his second of the tournament, capped a well-worked attacking move and put the defending champions ahead.
Cameroon responded almost immediately. In the 56th minute, Junior Tchamadeu’s powerful shot took a significant deflection off Ivorian defender Ghislain Konan, looping past the goalkeeper to restore parity and reignite the contest.
The remainder of the match saw both teams push for a winning goal in an open and intense second half.
Bryan Mbeumo came close for Cameroon with a free kick that narrowly missed the target, while Côte d’Ivoire threatened from late set-pieces, but neither side could find the decisive moment.
The draw leaves Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon level on four points at the top of Group F, one point ahead of Mozambique, who defeated Gabon earlier in the day.
Both teams remain well placed to advance to the AFCON Round of 16.
Côte d’Ivoire will face Gabon in their final group match, while Cameroon take on Mozambique on Wednesday, December 31.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
