CAN quarter-final preview

Match Preview

Morocco, the host country of the tournament, faces an extremely difficult test in its quest to win the title. African Cup of Nations at home against Cameroon in quarter-finals.

Morocco, semi-finalist of the next World Cup, remains the favorite to lift the trophy. However, they have not been very convincing so far and only found the decisive goal in their round of 16 clash against Tanzania in the 64th minute.

A meeting with another traditional heavyweight in African football represents a significant increase in the level of opposition for the Atlas Lions.

Cameroon will not join them in 2026 World Cup after failing to qualify, but their 2-1 victory over South Africa, another team who will be in North America this summer, in the round of 16 was a reminder of their quality and threat.

Morocco have never beaten Cameroon in the AFCON and lost to them in the semi-finals the last time the tournament was held in the country in 1988.

But coach Walid Regragui is not interested in this story.

“Cameroon eliminated us in the 1988 semi-final, but the past is in the past. Today we are a new Morocco,” he said during the pre-match press conference.

Moroccan fans are far from impressed with their performances so far, and Regragui admits his team is under significant pressure.

“We also have something to lose,” he added. “We are organizing the event at home and in four months we will play the World Cup. There is a big challenge ahead.

“It’s the African Cup of humility. If we play with modesty, we will get a good result. The decision will be made on the pitch.”

Cameroon coach David Pagou also dismissed the history of the encounter and made it clear the hosts were heavy favourites.

“The past does not guarantee the future,” Pagou told reporters.

“Especially in football. You can have great success yesterday and failure today. Matches between the two nations are a thing of the past.

“Morocco, this friendly and brotherly country, is the natural favorite. World Cup semi-finalist. It will be a very difficult match against a very good team. We will try to challenge them.

“What characterizes Cameroonians is their courage. Even when there is a mountain to overcome. It is mental strength that makes the difference.

“We are proud to be here. We are focused. Morocco is at the top, they are a great team. The challenge will not be easy, but we are ready to take it on. My players are young and want to make football history. Let’s be patient with them.

“It’s a quarter-final against the host country, who have very strong individual players and a strong team. Morocco hasn’t lost at home for a very long time. It’s an extra motivation. It will be a mental battle.”

Morocco will be better prepared to outsmart us. We are in our own bubble and all our players are young. They weren’t even born in 1988.

“Morocco has some very great footballers; the African player of the year 2025 is Achraf Hakimi. The stadium will be full, but we will hear more of the Cameroonians’ chants.”

Team news for Cameroon vs Morocco

Left-back Darlin Yongwa is doubtful for Cameroon due to an injury he suffered against South Africa.

For Morocco, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is out for the remainder of the tournament with a leg injury.

Lineup planned for the Cameroon-Morocco match

Cameroon: Epassy; Kotto, Tolo, Malone; Nagida, Namaso, Baleba, Ebong, Tchamadeu; Mbeumo, Kofane.

Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, Al Aynaoui, Saibari; Diaz, Ezzalzouli, El Kaabi.

How to watch Cameroon vs Morocco

Cameroon vs Morocco kicks off on Friday at 7:00 p.m. UK time. It will be broadcast in the UK on 4Seven.

Statistics for the Cameroon vs Morocco match

• Cameroon and Morocco have met 13 times in all competitions since their first clash in 1981.
• The Indomitable Lions have won six of these matches, with the Atlas Lions taking two victories. Five matches ended in a draw.
• They have faced each other four times in the African Cup of Nations, the Indomitable Lions having won three times (D1).
• Brahim Diaz is the top scorer of this CAN, finding the net four times for the hosts.
• Morocco has kept three clean sheets in this tournament, conceding only once. They have yet to concede an open game.
• Cameroon have only lost twice since being eliminated in the round of 16 at CAN 2023, although those defeats against Cape Verde and DR Congo prevented them from qualifying for the World Cup.
• Likewise, Morocco have suffered just one defeat since losing in the round of 16 of the 2023 AFCON. This came against Kenya in the 2024 African Nations Championship, a tournament which they won.