Cameroon and Morocco renew a storied rivalry when they meet in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday night.
It is a meeting layered with history and intrigue: Cameroon remain unbeaten against Morocco at AFCON (W2 D1), but the Atlas Lions arrive buoyed by recent head-to-head successes and a dominant run at this tournament, setting the stage for a finely balanced contest under the Rabat lights.
Match preview
Cameroon’s route to the last eight has been characteristically pragmatic. David Pagou’s side edged South Africa 2-1 in the Round of 16 despite ceding possession, underlining a tournament identity built on defensive resilience, direct transitions and efficiency in key moments.
That approach is reflected in the numbers. Among the quarter-finalists, Cameroon boast the lowest average possession (43.2%) and passing accuracy (77%), yet they continue to progress, comfortable operating without the ball and punishing opponents on the break.
Kofane has scored 2 goals in 4 matches in his debut AFCON. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Indomitable Lions’ pedigree in knockout football is formidable. This will be their 11th AFCON quarter-final, second only to Nigeria, and victory would carry them into an 11th semi-final. Historically, they have advanced from 65% of AFCON knockout matches, including notable successes against hosts.
Cameroon’s relationship with AFCON hosts has been particularly strong. They are unbeaten in their last six matches against host nations and have kept nine clean sheets in 13 such meetings, including their last three in knockout settings.
Morocco, by contrast, have leaned into control and territorial dominance at this tournament. Walid Regragui’s men completed 71% possession in the Round of 16 win over Tanzania and lead the competition for total passes completed, illustrating a patient, ball-dominant structure.
The Atlas Lions have already won three matches at the finals and matched their best-ever AFCON return for clean sheets (three), last achieved during their semi-final run in 2004. Defensive stability has provided the platform for their attacking quality to flourish.
At the heart of Morocco’s attacking output is Brahim Diaz, whose four goals set a national record for a single AFCON and who has scored in four successive matches. With Achraf Hakimi now fully fit and contributing creatively, Morocco’s right flank has become a key source of progression and threat.
Diaz has now scored 4 goals in 4 matches. Photo Credit: AFP
However, quarter-finals have historically been a stumbling block for the hosts. Morocco have won just one of their four previous AFCON quarter-finals, conceding in all four and failing to reach penalties in any, a psychological hurdle they will be keen to overcome on home soil.
The historical backdrop adds further spice. While Cameroon dominated early meetings at AFCON, Morocco have won the last two encounters overall, including a 2-0 victory in AFCON 2019 qualification and a emphatic 4-0 win at the 2020 CHAN semi-finals.
Friday’s contest therefore pits Cameroon’s knockout nous and defensive discipline against Morocco’s control, creativity and home support, with margins likely to be fine and momentum swings decisive.
Team news
Cameroon have one primary injury concern after Darlin Yongwa was forced off midway through the first half against South Africa. The left-sided player was replaced by Rennes defender Mahamadou Aboubakar Nagida, who is expected to continue if Yongwa fails to recover.
Pagou is likely to persist with a youthful core that has impressed throughout the tournament. Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has anchored the midfield with energy and ball-winning, while teenage striker Christian Kofane has scored in consecutive AFCON matches.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo remains central to Cameroon’s attacking transitions. The Manchester United forward has created nine chances at the tournament, the most by any Cameroonian, and his movement between the lines is key to stretching Morocco’s back four.
Defensively, Cameroon are expected to maintain a compact back three or five, with Junior Tchamadeu’s recent goal highlighting the threat from wing-back areas in moments of transition and set plays.
Morocco will be without Azzedine Ounahi, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a leg muscle injury. The Girona midfielder remains with the squad, but his absence removes a progressive passing option from central midfield.
Regragui, however, has depth at his disposal. Eliesse Ben Seghir, Bilal El Khannouss and Amir Richardson provide alternatives in midfield, while the expected return to full match fitness of Sofyan Amrabat strengthens Morocco’s defensive base.
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Hakimi has returned to full fitness after nearly two months out and registered an assist against Tanzania. Despite earlier reports of limited training involvement, no further absences have been confirmed, and the PSG full-back is expected to start.
Photo Credit: AFP
Romain Saiss trained separately earlier in the week but is also anticipated to be available, likely partnering Nayef Aguerd in central defence as Morocco look to maintain their strong clean-sheet record.
Form guide
Cameroon (all competitions): W-W-D-W-W
Morocco (all competitions): W-W-W-D-W
Cameroon possible lineup
Epassy; Kotto, Tolo, Malone; Nagida, Namaso, Baleba, Ebong, Tchamadeu; Mbeumo, Kofane
Morocco possible lineup
Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, Al Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi
Match prediction
Morocco’s control and home advantage should ensure territorial dominance, but Cameroon’s efficiency, defensive structure and history against hosts suggest a tight, low-margin encounter. With extra time a realistic possibility, penalty kicks might decide who goes through.
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Prediction: Cameroon 1-1 Morocco (Indomitable Lions win on penalties)
