Defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon played out a pulsating 1–1 draw on Sunday night in Marrakech, a result that kept both heavyweights locked together at the summit of Group F at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo once again proved decisive for the Elephants, scoring his second goal of the tournament to cancel out Cameroon’s resistance and underline his growing influence in Ivory Coast’s title defence.
Four days after netting the winner against Mozambique, Diallo was at the heart of everything for the Ivorians.
After a lively first half in which he constantly troubled the Indomitable Lions’ back line, the breakthrough finally arrived six minutes into the second half.
Ghislain Konan’s long, searching pass released Diallo down the right, and the winger showed composure beyond his years, finishing calmly with his left foot past Devis Epassy to ignite the Ivorian supporters.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Cameroon responded almost immediately, drawing level five minutes later when Junior Tchamadeu’s long-range effort took a wicked deflection off Konan and looped beyond a helpless Yahia Fofana.
It was a fair reflection of a contest that swung from end to end. Diallo had earlier fired wide from a promising position, while Christian Kofane came agonisingly close for Cameroon, his fierce strike crashing off the crossbar after another dangerous Tchamadeu delivery.
Ivory Coast continued to threaten through Vakoun Bayo, who headed over when well placed, and Diallo again went close just before the break, only to be denied by a perfectly timed tackle from captain Nouhou Tolo.
The second half maintained the same intensity. Franck Kessie briefly thought he had put Ivory Coast ahead, but his effort was ruled out for offside, while at the other end Danny Namaso struck the woodwork as Cameroon pressed.
Diallo’s goal and Cameroon’s swift response encapsulated the spirit of a rivalry that has rarely disappointed on the continental stage. The draw leaves both sides level on four points at the top of Group F, with qualification still very much in their own hands.
Earlier on Sunday, Mozambique shook up the group with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Gabon, their first-ever win at an Africa Cup of Nations. The result moved Mozambique onto three points and left Gabon rooted to the bottom without a point.
With everything still to play for, Group F will be decided on Wednesday night. Ivory Coast take on Gabon, while Cameroon face Mozambique, with both matches kicking off at 22:00 EAT.
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