AFCON 2025: Will Morocco overcome Cameroon test in Rabat?

After a two-day breather following the conclusion of the knockout round on Tuesday, 6 January, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) action resumes on Friday, 9 January, with two captivating fixtures ushering in the highly anticipated quarter-final stage.

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The standout encounter of the day will see tournament hosts Morocco take on five-time champions Cameroon in a mouthwatering 10:00 pm kickoff at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a clash that pits continental pedigree against home advantage in a true heavyweight showdown.

Friday’s contest marks the fourth competitive AFCON meeting between the two nations, with their last encounter at the tournament dating back more than three decades to 1992.

Cameroon holds the historical edge in AFCON meetings, remaining unbeaten against Morocco, having registered two identical 1-0 victories and one draw in their previous three encounters.

Beyond the continental stage, the two sides have faced each other 13 times across all competitions, with Cameroon enjoying dominance, claiming seven wins to Morocco’s two, while four matches ended in draws.

Friday’s clash will therefore be their 14th overall meeting, adding further intrigue to an already storied rivalry.

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For Cameroon, this quarter-final appearance marks their 11th at the Africa Cup of Nations, having previously reached the last eight in 1992, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2017, and 2021.

The Indomitable Lions boast an illustrious AFCON record, having lifted the trophy a record five times.

Morocco, meanwhile, are making their fifth quarter-final appearance, with past outings at this stage coming in 1998, 2004, 2017, and 2021.

Buoyed by home support and recent global success, the Atlas Lions will be keen to translate promise into continental glory.

Speaking to Sports Le 360 ahead of the clash, Cameroon head coach David Pagou acknowledged Morocco’s strength but expressed confidence in his side’s mental resilience.

"Morocco are the natural favorite; they were World Cup semi-finalists. It will be a very difficult match against a very good team. We will try to challenge them," he said.

“What characterizes Cameroonians is their courage, even when there's a mountain to overcome. It’s the mental strength that makes the difference.

It’s a quarter-final against the host country, which has very strong individual players and a high-performing team. Morocco hasn’t lost at home for a very long time. That is an extra motivation. It will be a mental battle.”

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, on his part, described the encounter as a clash befitting the latter stages of the tournament.

“This is a continental heavyweight clash,” Regragui said on Thursday.

“Whether at AFCON or at the World Cup, Cameroon has always been a major football nation that has carried African football.

We hope to present a strong image of African football. At this stage of the competition, confidence and mentality are crucial. The slightest mistake can be very costly.”

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The Moroccan tactician further stressed the importance of control in midfield, noting that fine margins could decide the outcome.

“This is a tournament that requires staying grounded. When you see the results and the quality of teams that have progressed, you realize what you are up against.”

With a semi-final berth at stake, Friday night’s encounter is a classic do-or-die affair.

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Both nations will be desperate to settle the contest within regulation time and avoid the agony of penalty shootouts as they seek to march their way to the 35th edition finals, where Cameroon could stand a chance to claim their sixth AFCON title, while it would be the second for Morocco in as many years.