Cameroon and Ivory Coast established themselves as early Group F leaders following hard-fought opening victories over Gabon and Mozambique respectively.
The heavyweights of Group F made a strong statement in the opening round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as both Cameroon and Ivory Coast secured crucial victories.
Playing in Marrakech, the two continental giants lived up to their reputations by overcoming resilient opponents.
These results set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the two sides later in the week, with both teams currently tied at the top of the standings.
Ivory Coast, the tournament holders, relied on the clinical finishing of Manchester United winger Amad Diallo to edge past Mozambique with a 1-0 win.
Despite facing a stubborn defense and a series of missed opportunities in the first half, the Elephants found their breakthrough shortly after the interval.
The narrow victory ensures that Emerse Fae’s squad maintains momentum as they look to defend their title on Moroccan soil.
Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions secured their own three points with a disciplined performance against Gabon.
The five-time champions displayed tactical maturity to nullify Gabon’s attacking threats while capitalizing on their own chances.
Head coach Marc Brys emphasized the importance of the result for team confidence, noting that starting the tournament with a win is essential for navigating a difficult group stage and managing the high expectations of the fans.
With both teams sitting on three points, the focus shifts to their upcoming head-to-head clash on Sunday. This high-stakes encounter is expected to decide who will take control of Group F heading into the final round of fixtures.
As the tournament intensity builds, both managers have signaled their intent to maintain high standards, with Fae previously stating, “Cristiano Ronaldo will be there for the game against Al Zawraa,” as a comparison to the star power required.