Defending champions Ivory Coast meet the traditional giants of Cameroon in a heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations Group F second matchday encounter.
Both teams have rich histories in African football, and their recent meetings suggest another closely fought battle is on the cards.
It's AFCON action on Sunday, December 28, as the Elephants face the Indomitable Lions.
With recent competitive head-to-head results pointing to tightly contested matches, this clash promises high stakes and intensity from the first whistle.
📈Team Form📉
🔹 Ivory Coast: The defending champions enter the tournament with pressure to defend their title.
🔸 Cameroon: The traditional giants aim for another strong campaign.
📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head 📊
🔥 The head-to-head record is exceptionally tight, with Ivory Coast managing four wins to Cameroon's three in their last eight meetings.
🔥 One game in their recent eight-match history ended in a draw.
🔥 In the most recent CAF World Cup qualifiers, both teams won their home fixture, with Cameroon winning 1-0 and Ivory Coast winning 2-1.
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams👀
🇨🇮Ivory Coast | Pre-AFCON Form: 🟢🟢🟡🟢🟢🟢
As the defending champions, the Elephants will carry the weight of expectation into this crunch second game of Group F.
The team will have to navigate the early challenge without key striker Sebastien Haller, who is unavailable due to injury. In attack, they will look to the recalled experience of Wilfried Zaha and the flair of Amad Diallo.
Their recent competitive record against Cameroon is strong, with a head-to-head edge of a single victory. They will rely on their experience and H2H advantage to keep their title defence on track with a positive result.
🇨🇲Cameroon | Form: 🔴🟡🟢🔴🟢🟢
The Indomitable Lions arrive shrouded in controversy but with a revamped squad. Veteran stars like Vincent Aboubakar and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa are missing. In their place, a new generation led by Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba will be tasked with causing an upset.
Goalkeeper André Onana, initially omitted, received a late call-up and is expected to join the squad, potentially adding crucial experience. Knowing the historical closeness of this fixture, Cameroon will aim to be disciplined and turn their intense rivalry into a platform for a statement victory.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast (Possible 4-3-3):
Fofana, Aurier, Kossonou, Ndicka, Konan, Kessie, Seri, Sangare, Zaha, Krasso, Diallo.
🇨🇲 Cameroon (Possible 4-3-3):
Onana, Tolo, Castelletto, Wooh, Tchamadeu, Baleba, Ndzie, Kemen, Mbeumo, Etta Eyong, Bassogog.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀
✨ Wilfried Zaha — Recalled to the Ivory Coast squad after nearly two years, his experience and direct wing play will be vital for the champions.
✨ Amad Diallo — The Manchester United winger offers creativity and is one of the fresh faces in the Ivorian attack.
✨ Bryan Mbeumo — With the old guard absent, the Man United forward becomes the focal point of Cameroon's new-look attack.
✨ Carlos Baleba — The Brighton midfielder's energy in the engine room will be crucial for Cameroon in matching Ivory Coast's physicality.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵
💵 Ivory Coast to win = 2.26
💵 Cameroon to win = 3.39
💵 Draw = 3.21
💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.64
This clash presents a classic battle of pedigree: the reigning champions against a Cameroon side in transition.
With their recent encounters almost impossible to separate and both teams fielding altered squads, fans are set for a compelling and tense African football night.
Who do you think will take the points? Tell us your prediction in the comments.
🔗 You can follow the Ivory Coast vs Cameroon game here on MSport.
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