There are three more hurdles to navigate in the quest for glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Cameroon and host nation Morocco have a date at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on January 9, 2026.
Cameroon's Slow but Steady Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Grind
The Indomitable Lions have had to sweat and grind to get to the last eight, often swinging games their way in a close shave manner.
Cameroon had a slim 1-0 win over Gabon, before sharing the spoils with Ivory Coast 1-1 in their second group meeting.
Additionally, David Pagou's side clinched a second spot in their group, with a 2-1 victory over the Mambas of Mozambique.
The push grew more intense in the knockout phase, as an assignment with South Africa got in their way in the round of 16.
Despite their slow start to the encounter, they recorded a 2-1 triumph over Bafana Bafana, courtesy of goals from Junior Tchamadeu in the 34th minute and Christian Kofane two minutes after the interval.
The Cameroonians understand what it means to lead the African throne, being five-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Their last triumph on the continent came in 2017.
Certainly, Pagou will be hoping that players like Bryan Mbeumo, youngster Christian Kofane, Brighton's Carlos Baleba and a host of others translate his tactical instructions onto the pitch.
The weight of responsibility is also planted firmly at the heart of Rabat, with Morocco needing to put on a showtime display, worthy of delighting the home crowd.
Walid Regragui’s contingent’s desire to succeed demands the ability to perform, and with identical group results like their upcoming opposition, the pendulum remains placed in the middle.
The Atlas Lions signalled the commencement of hostilities at the Mundial and they did so dispatching Comoros 2-0.
Their second group game elicited a 1-1 stalemate with Mali, before ending engagements on that front submerging Zambia comprehensively 3-0.
Brahim Diaz, who has been outstanding for the country at the competition, provided the difference in their last 16 outing against Tanzania, with Achraf Hakimi also pivotal to the goal.
Morocco have won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just once in history, and that success came in 1976 in Ethiopia.
Ayoub El Kaabi, who looks to have perfected the art of scoring overhead kicks, will also be keen to bring forth his magic at this crucial stage. The input of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou should also not be excused.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Atlas Lions of Morocco have met on thirteen previous occasions, with the former holding the upper hand.
Cameroon have recorded six victories, while the two sides have been inseparable on five occasions, and Morocco have managed just two wins.
At the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Cameroon and Morocco first crossed paths in 1986, when both teams settled for a 1–1 draw.
Two years later, in 1988, the Indomitable Lions silenced Morocco at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, edging out their hosts 1–0 in the semi-finals before going on to lift the trophy.
Their most recent AFCON meeting came in 1992, with Morocco once again finishing on the losing side after a 23rd-minute strike for Cameroon from André Kana-Biyik.
Cameroon Team News
The Indomitable Lions have one injury concern – Lorient defender Darlin Yongwa – who was substituted in the first period against South Africa.
Aside from Yongwa, Cameroon have a full complement to pick from, with David Pagou left with his familiar task of making selections.
For the Atlas Lions, Azzedine Ounahi, who many remember for his stellar showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is out for the tournament due to a muscle problem.
The other two names whose fitness levels are uncertain are former Premier League stars Sofyan Amrabat, who was absent from training, and Romain Saiss, who trained separately earlier in the week.
Achraf Hakimi returned to the XI in the last 16 against Tanzania, after featuring from the bench against Zambia in their final group game, and in like manner, he is fit and available for action after being out for nearly two months.
Cameroon Possible Starting Lineup
Epassy; Kotto, Tolo, Malone; Nagida, Namaso, Baleba, Ebong, Tchamadeu; Mbeumo, Kofane
Morocco Possible Starting Lineup
Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, Al Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
Kick-off Time: 08:00 PM Local Time - 7:00 PM (GMT)
