AFCON 2025: Group F in the balance, with a Cameroon v Ivory Coast tie that feels like a final

The group-stage draw for AFCON 2025, held on Monday 27 January at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, has revealed Cameroon's opponents for the tournament, scheduled to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco. Drawn in Group F, the Indomitable Lions will lock horns with Ivory Coast, Gabon and Mozambique. It is a group that promises plenty of intensity, notably with the reunion between Cameroon and Ivory Coast, two giants of African football.

Ivory Coast: revenge in the air

As reigning champions, Ivory Coast should go into AFCON 2025 intent on retaining their trophy. The side, led by Serge Aurier, still remember their defeat by Cameroon in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. These two historic rivals will meet again in a contest where pride and supremacy will be at stake.

Read also: AFCON 2025: Regragui, Aurier, Cissé… reactions after the draw

“It will be a tough group. We know Ivory Coast v Cameroon games are always hard-fought,” said Serge Aurier. However, the Elephants captain remains confident: “with what we showed at the last AFCON, we know what we have to do to get past our opponents”. With impressive squad depth and proven tournament experience, Ivory Coast remain the favourites in the group. However, their ability to handle the pressure against a Cameroon side looking to make amends will be crucial.

Gabon: ambition yet to be confirmed

Absent from the last edition of AFCON, Gabon return to the continental stage with a mix of talent and determination. Led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Panthers hope to play the party-poopers in this group. Their strength lies in the individual quality of their Europe-based players, but their inconsistency and internal tensions could count against them. Games against Gabon look set to be fiercely contested, especially as the Panthers will want to prove they can compete with Africa's top nations.

Mozambique: unpredictable outsiders

Used to defying the odds, Mozambique have nothing to lose in this group. The defensive solidity and determination of the Warriors make them opponents not to be underestimated. However, the absence of stars playing in top leagues could limit their ambitions against more experienced opposition. For Cameroon, the task will be not to underrate a side capable of catching teams out with fast, well-constructed passages of play.

Cameroon ready to rise to the challenge

The Indomitable Lions, under Marc Brys, are aiming to approach the tournament with confidence. “All the countries qualified for AFCON are great teams. Our biggest opponent will be ourselves. We must be careful and stick to our playing philosophy and add more passion and commitment. Our team has plenty of experience, with players who play for big clubs in Europe”, said the Cameroon coach. Aware of what is at stake in the reunion with Ivory Coast, Brys is emphatic: “we do not fear this team, or any other opponent”.

With a squad made up of players at Europe's biggest clubs, such as Zambo Anguissa (Naples), André Onana (Manchester United) and Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)… Cameroon have the means to prevail. However, the key will be cohesion and collective commitment to overcome the challenges these opponents of varied styles could pose. “The priority now will be to follow our opponents and study them closely”, promises Brys.