Ivory Coast vs Cameroon, Africa Cup of Nations, 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Match Prediction & Analysis

Defending champions Ivory Coast, buoyed by a winning start to their title defence, now face their sternest group test against AFCON’s second-most successful side, Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions arrive with confidence of their own, also fresh off a 1–0 victory, setting up a finely balanced showdown at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Sunday (Monday, 1:30 AM IST).

Current Standings: With identical results in their opening games, both sides sit level at the top of Group F with 3 points. 

Head-to-head Record: Both teams are evenly matched in the rivalry with four wins apiece in 11 matches with 3 draws.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ivory Coast Preview

The Elephants began their title defence on the front foot with an opening-day win, but it wasn’t as emphatic as many expected. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo struck soon after the break to seal the victory, though against 102nd-ranked Mozambique, Ivory Coast would have hoped to be far more ruthless in front of goal. 

That said, they certainly did enough to score more, carving out six big chances and unleashing 15 shots, but Mozambique keeper Ernan stole the spotlight with a superb nine-save performance, keeping the margin to a slim 1–0.

Nonetheless, it was another clean sheet for the Elephants— their seventh consecutive clean sheet in 2025. Keep that defensive streak intact and the Elephants would all but secure a fourth straight AFCON knockout appearance, a fitting way to close out the year.

Amad Diallo grabbed the headlines with the winning goal, but it was Franck Kessie who truly ran the show, pulling the strings in midfield, creating two big chances and teeing up Diallo’s strike. Those two, alongside Yan Diomande, will once again be the focal point as the Elephants brace for a far sterner test against Cameroon.

Ivory Coast Probable Starting Lineup - Fofana (GK) ; Guela Doue, Evan Ndicka, Kossounou, Doue, Sangare, Seri, Franck Kessie, Diallo, Zaha, Yan Diomande. 

Cameroon Preview

Cameroon arrived at AFCON amid uncertainty, with doubts over new coach David Pagou following shaky World Cup qualifiers and off-field squad drama. Yet the Indomitable Lions brushed that aside, edging Gabon 1–0 thanks to Etta Eyong — a rising star quickly becoming one of the most sought after names in the winter transfer window. 

However, it wasn't the ideal performance from a side which is expected to go deep into the tournament considering they were out possessed by Gabon (43% to 57%) and had fewer shots (3) on target. But the biggest setback emerged from the game was that of an injury to midfielder Carlos Baleba who didn't come out after the break. That could prove to be a big blow to Cameroon's chances this Sunday. 

Cameroon’s clean sheet owed much to centre-back Samuel Kotto, who dominated winning six of the seven duels, 11 clearances, six ball recoveries, and a crucial last-man tackle in the box. Captain Bryan Mbeumo also impressed, setting up Etto’s goal and creating three big chances. Both will be key figures in the upcoming fixtures.

Cameroon Probable Starting Lineup - Epassy (GK); Tchamadeu, Malone, Yongwa, Tolo, Kotto, Onana/Baleba, Namaso, Ebong, Mbeumo,Etta Eyong. 

IVORY COAST vs CAMEROON
Winning Prediction

Ivory Coast and Cameroon share a fierce AFCON rivalry — in seven meetings, the Elephants have won twice, the Indomitable Lions three times, with two draws. Both sides boast some star-studded players, promising a tight clash, but Ivory Coast will take confidence from remaining unbeaten in all competitive fixtures so far in 2025. 

Even the bookmakers lean Ivory Coast’s way, pricing the Elephants at 2.1 for a win, with Cameroon’s chances at 3.75  and the draw priced at 3.00. 

We predict a draw (1-1)

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW