AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast, Cameroon share spoils in 1-1 draw

Defending champions Ivory Coast were held to a 1-1 draw by Cameroon in a high-tempo Group F encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night in Marrakech.

Both sides came into the fixture with momentum from narrow opening wins, and while the match lacked goals early on, it delivered intensity, structure and late drama in keeping with its billing.

Cagey first half dominated by midfield battle

The opening 45 minutes were defined by tactical discipline rather than attacking flair. Ivory Coast and Cameroon cancelled each other out in midfield, prioritising shape and ball retention.

Clear chances were scarce, with both teams reluctant to overcommit, and the first half ended scoreless.

Diallo breaks deadlock after VAR setback

Ivory Coast stepped up the tempo after the break and briefly thought they had taken the lead when Frank Kessie scored, only for VAR to rule out the goal.

The defending champions responded immediately. In the 51st minute, Amad Diallo struck clinically to give Emerse Faé’s side the advantage, registering his second goal of the tournament.

Cameroon hit back through fortunate equaliser

Cameroon reacted positively and restored parity just five minutes later. Junior Tchamadeu’s effort deflected off left-back Ghislain Konan, looping over goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and into the net. The goal shifted momentum and set up an open final phase.

Stalemate keeps group wide open

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, producing end-to-end football without a decisive breakthrough. The draw leaves Ivory Coast and Cameroon level on four points after two matches.

Ivory Coast will conclude their group campaign against Gabon on Wednesday, while Cameroon face Mozambique in what is shaping up to be a decisive final round of fixtures.