Cameroon vs Morocco: The Atlas Lions' Title Hopes Under Threat In the AFCON 2025 Quarter-finals
by Thobelani Moyo | by Cydias Aujard
The Indomitable Lions have strived under pressure
Despite the chaos and political instability, Cameroon has not let any of that hold them back in their pursuit of a sixth Africa Cup of Nations title. The side led by David Pagou has impressed in this year's edition, and they find themselves competing in the quarter-finals of this competition for the 11th time in their history.
The Indomitable Lions had no troubles in the group stages, with the only team in Group F that was expected to give them a hard time being the defending champions Ivory Coast. However, a 1-1 draw against this opponent on the second matchday was followed by a 2-1 win over Mozambique in the final group stage game. Despite picking up seven points, an inferior goal difference left them behind table-toppers Ivory Coast.
With progression to the knockout stages secured, David Pagou's men faced South Africa in the last 16. In line with our experts' secondary prediction, they advanced to the next round after securing a 2-1 victory. Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane were on the scoreboard in that match.
They face an arduous task this time around as they take on Morocco in the quarter-finals. Get the full breakdown of this clash in our Cameroon vs Morocco prediction. However, there's reason for them to be optimistic given their commendable record at this stage. In the quarter-finals, they've played ten games and have won five, drawn two, and lost three.
Adding to their advantage in this fixture, the Central African side have never lost an AFCON game against the host nation in the past three meetings. Two of those outings ended in victory (D1). A renewal of acquaintances, though, is undoubtedly on the cards as this marks the first meeting between the two sides since 1992, when they triumphed 1-0 in a Group B clash.
The Atlas Lions' title push is in full swing
Host nation, Morocco, entered this competition with the bar set high. It hasn't been lowered since then as the team continues its unrelenting push to clinch its first AFCON title after being crowned champions of Africa in 1976. Their name was etched in the history books as they became the second team from North Africa to achieve this feat.
In the current edition, the Atlas Lions remain strong contenders to win the competition according to the best online betting sites. This is mainly due to their impressive performances leading up to this crucial clash. Given the huge squad depth at their disposal, expectations were leaning towards the team concluding the group stages with a 100% record.
Walid Regragui's men had an inauspicious start to the campaign, snatching a point against Mali in a 1-1 draw. An immediate response was needed after that result, and they delivered. Two consecutive wins to nil against Zambia(3-0) and Tanzania (1-0) saw them win Group A with a four-point cushion.
Morocco renewed its group stage rivalry against Tanzania in the last 16. Brahim Diaz scored the only goal in that match as his side secured a 1-0 victory to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2021.
Success here could see them reach the semi-finals of this competition for the first time in 12 years. That would also push them closer to clinching Africa's most prestigious title.
Key Players: Christian Kofane and Brahim Diaz set to make an impact
All eyes were expected to be on Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo in this competition. However, Mbeumo has failed to impress for Cameroon, with Christian Kofane stealing his shine.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward has scored two goals at AFCON. Both were match-winning goals against Mozambique in the group stage and against South Africa in the knockout stage.
His goal against South Africa in the last 16 saw him etch his name in the nation's history books to become the second youngest player to rattle the net in a knockout game. The first player to do so was Samuel Eto'o at 18 years old.
Brahim Diaz has been exceptional for Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Real Madrid playmaker has scored in all four of his matches to become the first Moroccan player to score in a single AFCON.
His last goal was against Tanzania in the last 16, which sealed the team's advancement to the quarter-finals. In that match, he registered three shots and had an 89% pass accuracy rate.
Diaz leads the competition for most goals scored at the moment, putting him firmly ahead in the race for the Golden Boot award. It's without a shadow of doubt that he will be hungry to add to his goal tally of four goals here.
