Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Prediction: Ivory Coast will likely defeat Cameroon 3-1 in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group F clash on December 28, 2025, as the defending champions possess superior squad depth, better recent form with 13 goals scored in six competitive matches, and hold an unbeaten record in their last five meetings against Cameroon.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – Group F |
| Date | Sunday, December 28, 2025 |
| Venue | Marrakesh, Morocco |
| Current Standings | Both teams: 3 points (1W, 0D, 0L) |
| Head-to-Head Record | Ivory Coast: 10 wins, Cameroon: 9 wins, Draws: 2 |
| Last Meeting | January 7, 2023 (1-1 draw) |
Key Facts
- Ivory Coast defends their 2023 AFCON title and aims to become the first nation since Egypt in 2010 to successfully retain the championship.
- Both teams won their opening matches with identical 1-0 victories, placing them level at the top of Group F.
- Amad Diallo scored the winning goal for Ivory Coast against Mozambique in their tournament opener on December 24.
- Karl Etta Eyong netted the fastest goal in Cameroon’s AFCON history (second-fastest overall) against Gabon on December 25.
- Victory for either side guarantees progression to the knockout stages before the final group match.
- Ivory Coast holds a recent advantage with five consecutive unbeaten matches against Cameroon (3W, 1D, 1L).
- Cameroon enters without Andre Onana, as coach David Pagou continues to omit the Manchester United goalkeeper from the squad.
- Ivory Coast scored 13 goals in their last six competitive matches while conceding just once.
On This Page
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Preview and Prediction
This Group F clash represents a decisive encounter between two African football powerhouses. The defending champions face five-time winners in a match that could determine the group winner.
The match takes place in Marrakesh, Morocco, as part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted across Moroccan cities.
Kickoff occurs on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The match happens in the second round of group stage fixtures.
Both teams seek to secure early qualification to the knockout rounds.
The winner gains a commanding position in Group F and avoids potential pressure in the final group match. Historical rivalry adds extra significance to this encounter.
Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae leads the defending champions, while David Pagou guides Cameroon through their campaign.
Key players include Manchester United’s Amad Diallo for Ivory Coast and Tottenham’s Bryan Mbeumo for Cameroon.
Predicted Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Lineups and Formations
Ivory Coast Expected Starting XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Fofana
Defense: Doue, Ndicka, Kossounou, Konan
Midfield: Seri, Kessie (captain), Sangare
Attack: Y. Diomande, Diallo, Zaha
Ivory Coast employs a possession-oriented approach with a balanced 4-3-3 formation.
The midfield trio of Jean-Michael Seri, Franck Kessie, and Ibrahim Sangare provides defensive solidity while controlling tempo.
Wilfried Zaha operates as the central striker despite failing to score in the opener.
Cameroon Expected Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Epassy (captain)
Defense: Malone, Koto, Tolo, Tchamadeu, Yongwa
Midfield: Baleba, Ebong
Attacking Midfield: Namaso, Mbeumo, Eyong
Forward: (Central striker position)
Cameroon adopts a compact defensive structure with quick transitions. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba anchors the midfield alongside Ebong.
Bryan Mbeumo provides creativity and assists from the right wing, while goalscorer Karl Etta Eyong offers pace on the opposite flank.
Injury Report and Team News
Ivory Coast Injuries
Ivory Coast emerged from their opening match without any fresh injury concerns. The squad maintains full fitness heading into this crucial encounter.
Jean-Michael Seri returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a lengthy injury layoff, replacing Seko Fofana in midfield.
Available Players: Wilfried Zaha, Oumar Diakite, Willy Boly, and Evann Guessand all remain available for selection. Diakite pushes for a starting role after impressive substitute appearances.
Cameroon Injuries
Cameroon reported no injury issues following their victory over Gabon. The squad remains at full strength for this critical match.
Notable Absence: Andre Onana continues his exclusion from the squad. Coach David Pagou maintains his decision to use Devis Epassy as goalkeeper and one of three captains.
Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also remain absent from the tournament roster.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
No significant injuries affect either squad. However, Onana’s continued absence represents Cameroon’s most notable personnel decision.
The Manchester United goalkeeper’s exclusion removes an experienced presence, though Epassy performed solidly in the opening match.
For Ivory Coast, Seri’s return strengthens their midfield options and provides additional experience in crucial matches.
Where to Watch Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Live?
India: FanCode streams the match live for viewers across India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
United Kingdom and Ireland: Channel 4 and 4seven provide free-to-air coverage.
United States: beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, fuboTV, and Fanatiz USA offer viewing options.
France: beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Free, and myCANAL broadcast the match.
Africa: SuperSport Football Plus ROA, DStv Now, Canal+ CAN, and AfroSport TV cover the match across multiple African nations.
Other regions: DAZN serves Germany, Austria, and Japan. Additional broadcasters include Sport TV (Portugal), Ziggo Sport (Netherlands), and various regional providers.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The rivalry between these nations spans 21 competitive meetings. Ivory Coast holds a slight edge with 10 victories compared to Cameroon’s 9 wins, with just 2 draws.
Recent form favors the Elephants, who remain unbeaten in their last five encounters against the Indomitable Lions.
Recent Meetings:
- January 7, 2023: Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon (Friendly)
- November 17, 2021: Cameroon 1-0 Ivory Coast (World Cup Qualifier)
- September 7, 2021: Ivory Coast 2-1 Cameroon (World Cup Qualifier)
- January 30, 2016: Cameroon 0-0 Ivory Coast (AFCON – Ivory Coast won 3-0 on penalties)
- January 28, 2015: Cameroon 0-1 Ivory Coast (AFCON Qualifier)
The most memorable encounter occurred in the 2006 AFCON when Cameroon defeated Ivory Coast 12-11 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, showcasing the competitive nature of this fixture.
Tactical Analysis and Playing Styles
Ivory Coast maintains a disciplined, possession-based approach under Emerse Fae. The team builds attacks patiently through midfield, with Kessie and Sangare dictating tempo.
Their defensive organization limits opposition chances, as evidenced by conceding just once in six competitive matches.
The wide attackers provide width while Zaha drops deep to link play.
Cameroon employs a more direct style with emphasis on quick transitions. Mbeumo’s creativity unlocks defenses through incisive passing, while the compact defensive shape frustrates opponents.
The team relies on counter-attacking opportunities and set-piece situations to create scoring chances.
Player Impact and Key Players to Watch
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast): The Manchester United forward scored the tournament-opening goal and continues his impressive club form.
His pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing make him dangerous in one-on-one situations. Diallo’s movement between lines creates space for teammates.
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon): The Tottenham winger provided the assist for Cameroon’s opening goal and represents their primary creative outlet.
His vision, passing range, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses from wide positions pose constant threats.
Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast): The experienced midfielder controls games through his physical presence and tactical intelligence.
His ball-winning ability and distribution anchor Ivory Coast’s possession game.
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon): The Brighton midfielder brings energy and defensive stability to Cameroon’s midfield. His pressing and interceptions disrupt opposition build-up play.
Current Group F Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameroon | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 2 | Ivory Coast | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | Gabon | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 4 | Mozambique | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Match Prediction
Ivory Coast enters as favorites based on recent form, squad depth, and head-to-head record.
The defending champions possess superior attacking quality and defensive organization. Their experience in tournament football provides an additional advantage.
Cameroon’s relatively inexperienced squad faces a significant test against seasoned opponents.
While Mbeumo’s creativity offers hope, the overall quality gap favors Ivory Coast.
Predicted Score: Ivory Coast 3-1 Cameroon
Ivory Coast’s clinical finishing and defensive solidity should prove decisive. The Elephants will likely control possession and create multiple scoring opportunities.
Cameroon may score through counter-attacks but will struggle to contain Ivory Coast’s attacking threats consistently.
Ivory Coast’s recent competitive record shows remarkable consistency: four wins, one draw, and one defeat across their last six matches.
They scored 13 goals while conceding just once during this period. Their World Cup qualifying campaign included emphatic victories over Kenya and Seychelles.
Cameroon’s form appears less stable with three wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last six competitive fixtures.
They scored six goals and conceded two. The narrow playoff defeat to DR Congo in November highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that Ivory Coast can exploit.
The match represents a clash between tournament experience and youthful energy, with the defending champions holding clear advantages in multiple areas.
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FAQs
Where To Watch Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Live?
Viewers can watch Ivory Coast vs Cameroon live on Channel 4 and 4seven in the UK, on beIN SPORTS and fuboTV in the USA, on FanCode in India, on SuperSport Football Plus ROA and DStv Now across Africa, and on beIN Sports 1 in France during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group F match on December 28, 2025.
Who Will Win Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Match?
Ivory Coast will likely win the match against Cameroon because the defending champions maintain superior squad depth with players like Amad Diallo and Franck Kessie, hold an unbeaten record in their last five meetings against Cameroon, and have conceded only one goal in their last six competitive matches while scoring 13 goals.
What is Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Match Kick-Off Time?
The Ivory Coast vs Cameroon match kicks off on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Marrakesh, Morocco, as the second round Group F fixture in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 tournament, with exact local kick-off times varying by broadcast region and timezone.
Are There Any Injuries in Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Match?
Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon report no injury concerns for their match, as both squads remain at full fitness following their opening victories, though Cameroon notably excludes Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana from the tournament squad by coach David Pagou’s tactical decision rather than injury.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Match?
The predicted score for Ivory Coast vs Cameroon is 3-1 in favor of Ivory Coast based on the defending champions’ attacking quality with 13 goals in six competitive matches, their defensive solidity with only one goal conceded in that period, and their superior head-to-head record with 10 wins against Cameroon’s 9 wins in 21 meetings.
Cameroon Standing with Points?
Cameroon currently sits in first position in Group F with 3 points after winning their opening match 1-0 against Gabon on December 25, 2025, with one match played, one win, zero draws, zero losses, one goal scored, zero goals conceded, and a plus-one goal difference.
Ivory Coast Standing With Points?
Ivory Coast currently occupies second position in Group F with 3 points after defeating Mozambique 1-0 on December 24, 2025, with one match played, one win, zero draws, zero losses, one goal scored, zero goals conceded, and a plus-one goal difference, level on points with Cameroon but ranked second on tiebreaker criteria.