AFCON 2025: Group F Tightens as Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon Play Out 1–1 Classic

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 29 December 2025 - In a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 clash between two of Africa’s football heavyweights, Côte d'Ivoire - also known as Ivory Coast - and Cameroon played out a dramatic 1–1 draw in their Group F encounter at the Stade de Marrakech on Sunday.

The result leaves both nations firmly in contention for knockout-stage qualification as the group heads into its final round of fixtures.

The match remained tightly contested through a goalless first half, with both sides creating opportunities but unable to break the deadlock.

Early chances included Ivory Coast’s Vakoun Bayo narrowly heading over and Cameroon seeing a shot tipped on to the crossbar, illustrating just how evenly matched the teams were.

The breakthrough came shortly after the interval: in the 51st minute, Amad Diallo struck with a composed effort from just outside the box to give the defending champions Ivory Coast the lead. The Manchester United winger’s brilliant finish, following a well-worked passage of play, marked his second goal of the tournament and sent the Elephants ahead in front of the supportive crowd.

However, Cameroon responded swiftly. Just five minutes later in the 56th minute, Junior Tchamadeu’s driven shot took a heavy deflection off Ivorian defender Ghislain Konan and looped into the net, leveling the score at 1–1 and reigniting Cameroon’s challenge.

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The fortuitous own goal ensured both sides shared the spoils in a thrilling second period.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Bryan Mbeumo’s free kick narrowly wide and late set-piece opportunities for Ivory Coast going close, but neither side could find the decisive blow.

The draw leaves Ivory Coast and Cameroon level on four points at the top of Group F, one point clear of third-placed Mozambique, who defeated Gabon earlier in the day, heading into the final matchday.

Both teams are well placed to secure advancement to the AFCON Round of 16, with Ivory Coast scheduled to face Gabon and Cameroon set to play Mozambique in their concluding group fixtures.