The Elephants of Ivory Coast head coach, Emerse Faé spoke to the media after the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw which took place in Rabat, Morocco.
The media spotlight quickly turned to one particular fixture—Cameroon vs. Ivory Coast, slated for the group stage and which has already been hailed as the tournament’s marquee matchup.
Speaking to the media, Faè amplified the feeling of anticipation encircling this fixture, sharing his thoughts.
“Every time there is a Cameroon-Ivory Coast match, it is always a war, but a fraternal war, a war of egos. The two nations will want to show in this match that they are the best teams in Africa,” he remarked. His words resonated deeply, not just with fans of the two footballing powerhouses but across the continent.
The stage is set, and as Faè fittingly put it, “It is always a war, but a fraternal war.” Let the battle begin.
This year, however, the stakes are higher than ever. Both teams boast star-studded squads led by emerging talents and seasoned coaches. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, under head coach Marc Brys, has been rejuvenated with a mix of young stars like Bryan Mbeumo and seasoned stars like Vincent Aboubakar.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, playing under the strict guidance of Faè, is spearheaded by the likes of Sébastien Haller, Wilfried Zaha, and Franck Kessié.
For the teeming fans of both nations, this is more than just football. It’s a cultural event, a celebration of their shared and often competitive history. The media hype has added fuel to the fire, with pundits predicting that the game could very well decide who tops Group F and delivers a forceful message to the rest of the continent.
By: Pascal Amoah
