Online Reporter
WITH Cote d’Ivoire aiming to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 this week, the Elephants will now take on Gabon in their final Group F tie at Stade de Marrakech tonight.
Kick-off is at 9:00pm.
As it stands, Cote d’Ivoire top spot in Group F following their 1-1 draw with Cameroon during match-day two.
Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon share an identical record of four points after two matches played, while a win against Gabon would secure their ticket into the next phase of the show-piece.
Gabon on the other hand, have already been eliminated from the tournament following their 3-2 defeat against Mozambique at Stade Adrar on Sunday.
The Panthers are fourth in Group F, with two losses from their opening set of fixtures.
The Elephants are in the running to claim their fourth AFCON title, while they remain one of the favourites this year as the reigning champions of African football.
Reflecting on Cote d’Ivoire’s campaign following their draw with Cameroon, the Elephants coach Emerse Fae believes that his side need to be more efficient in seeing out games.
“It’s for matches like these that we love the CAN — a hard-fought contest. Both teams brought intensity, created chances, and no one shut the game down,” Fae said.
“A fair draw against a compact Cameroon side that challenged us tactically. I’m satisfied with the performance, with the result. My only regret from this match: we lacked a bit of guile after our goal.
“Instead of going after them, we should have slowed the tempo, let the clock run down, forced Cameroon to open up and expose space, and then taken advantage. We conceded their goal too soon.”
Mozambique eye Cameroon upset
On the back of a historic win, Mozambique will look to secure its place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knock-out stage for the first time as it faces Cameroon at the Stade Adrar in Agadir tonight.
Kick-off is at 9pm.
Despite a tough start to the tournament with a 1-0 loss to champions Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique has bounced back in spectacular fashion.
The Mambas claimed their first ever victory at an AFCON tournament in a shock 3-2 victory over Gabon at the Stade Adrar on Sunday.
Returning to the same venue to face Cameroon, they could advance to the knock-out stage for the first time with another upset victory.
They sit third in the tournament’s so-called “Group of death” with three points and trail both Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.
Should they fail to win but draw instead, the Mambas would sit on four points and be in contention for the knock-out stage as one of the best-finishing third-placed teams in group play.
Cameroon sit on four points in Group F, level with the reigning champions on both points and goal difference.
The Indomitable Lions began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Gabon before drawing 1-1 with the Elephants and will be looking to go for maximum points and claim top spot in their group.
They are aiming to return to the round of 16, where they were knocked out in round of 16 by Nigeria in a 2-0 loss in 2023.
Players to watch
Mozambique — Faisal Bangal is on the board at the tournament, having netted the Mambas’ opening goal against Gabon.
The starting striker will look to add to his tally as Mozambique attempt the impossible, again.
Cameroon — Bryan Mbeumo is yet to register a goal for Cameroon in his first AFCON but has provided one assist in his two games at this edition.
The Manchester United attacker will be looking to find the back of the net to ensure his side’s safe passage to the next stage.
Group F teams’ head-to-head stats:
Cameroon wins: 7
Mozambique wins: 0
Draws: 0 –
Games: 9
Gabon wins: 1
Cote d’Ivoire wins: 5
Draws: 3 — AFP Sport.
