Two of Africa’s most decorated football nations go head-to-head on Friday, January 9, when Cameroon face hosts Morocco in a blockbuster 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat. With continental pride and a place in the semi-finals at stake, a fiercely contested encounter is expected between experience and ambition.
Match Preview
Cameroon arrive in the last eight with renewed belief after edging South Africa 2–1 in the Round of 16 on January 5. Goals from Christian Kofane and Junior Tchamadeu handed the Indomitable Lions control, and although Evidence Makgopa pulled one back late for Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held firm to book their quarter-final place.
That victory followed a solid group-stage campaign, where David Pagou’s men collected seven points from three matches. Wins over Gabon (1–0) and Mozambique (2–1), coupled with a 1–1 draw against Ivory Coast, underlined a tactical identity built on defensive compactness, midfield discipline and quick transitions.
Despite conceding late against South Africa, Cameroon’s resilience and clinical edge in key moments have stood out, reinforcing why the five-time champions remain one of the most respected sides in AFCON knockout football. Although their last continental triumph came in 2017, their pedigree continues to command respect on the biggest stage.
The Indomitable Lions’ path to this tournament was far from smooth. Off-field turbulence, including the late dismissal of coach Marc Brys, internal disputes with FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o, and the absence of high-profile figures such as Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar, threatened to derail the campaign. Combined with their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Cameroon entered AFCON under pressure—but they have navigated the chaos impressively to reach the quarter-finals.
Historically, Cameroon hold the edge over Morocco at AFCON, having never lost to the Atlas Lions at the tournament (W2, D1), though their last finals meeting dates back to 1992.
Morocco, meanwhile, continue their push for a first AFCON title since 1976, advancing with a controlled 1–0 win over Tanzania in the Round of 16 on January 4. Brahim Díaz struck the decisive goal in the 64th minute, finishing from an Achraf Hakimi assist on the captain’s return from injury.
The Atlas Lions topped Group A with seven points, recording victories over Comoros (2–0) and Zambia (3–0), alongside a 1–1 draw with Mali. They finished the group stage with a +5 goal difference, conceding just once, as Walid Regragui’s side dominated possession and territory with a patient, structured approach.
While Morocco were made to work for their breakthrough against Tanzania, their composure under knockout pressure and ability to control games were once again evident. Entering the tournament on a remarkable 16-match winning streak, the draw with Mali ended that run but extended their unbeaten sequence to over 20 matches across all competitions.
Although Cameroon boast the superior AFCON record, Morocco have enjoyed recent success in the fixture, winning the last two meetings after previously going nine matches without victory against the Indomitable Lions.
Recent Form
Cameroon – AFCON form:
W – D – W – W
Cameroon – all competitions:
D – L – W – D – W – W
Morocco – AFCON form:
W – D – W – W
Morocco – all competitions:
W – W – W – D – W – W
Team News
Cameroon have one major injury concern after Darlin Yongwa was forced off early against South Africa. He was replaced by Mahamadou Aboubakar Nagida, who could retain his place in the starting XI.
Pagou is expected to continue trusting youth, with Carlos Baleba, teenage striker Christian Kofane, and Bryan Mbeumo all playing key roles in Cameroon’s campaign.
Morocco will be without Azzedine Ounahi, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a leg muscle injury. However, Regragui has expressed confidence in his squad depth.
There were minor fitness concerns earlier in the week involving Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, and Romain Saïss, but Hakimi returned strongly against Tanzania and no further absences have been confirmed.
Possible Lineups
Cameroon:
Epassy; Kotto, Tolo, Malone; Nagida, Namaso, Baleba, Ebong, Tchamadeu; Mbeumo, Kofane
Morocco:
Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, Al Aynaoui, Saibari; Díaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
Prediction
Cameroon 1–2 Morocco
This quarter-final promises to be finely balanced, pitching Cameroon’s physicality, tactical discipline and AFCON pedigree against Morocco’s possession-based control and home advantage. The Indomitable Lions’ history suggests they will be formidable opponents, but Morocco’s consistency, attacking quality and backing from the Rabat crowd give the hosts a narrow edge in what should be a tense and closely fought contest.
