Cameroon and Ivory Coast face off in Group F fixture in Marrakech in what promises to be a thrilling clash of the African giants.
Both sides are beaming with confidence having won their respective openers and are a winner tonight will seal a place in the knockout.
Cameroon needed Karl Etta Eyong’s early goal to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gabon in Agadir.
Amad Diallo scored the lone goal as the defending champions edged Mozambique at the Marrakech Stadium.
At the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon and Ivory Coast have met eight times previously, with Cameroon winning five matches. Two of the remaining three encounters ended level before Ivory Coast prevailed on penalties.
Across eight AFCON meetings, the Elephants have managed just one victory over Cameroon in open play. Their other two wins — in the 1992 semi-finals and the 2006 quarter-finals — came via penalty shoot-outs.
After the hard fought win, Ivory Coast coach Emerson Fae stated: “Once again, we saw the solidarity that has been with us for several months, as well as the players’ effort and mindset, which were already evident during our training camp in Spain.”
“If there is one area we still need to improve, it is decision-making and finishing. Sometimes the cross should be played along the ground but is delivered in the air. These are the details that make the difference at this level.”
Outside Diallo, Ivory Coast will be banking on Wilfred Zaha and Frank Kessie to carry the scoring burden.
The Indomitable Lions on the other hand, will be eyeing strong performances from Mbeumo once again, who was named man of the match in their opener.
Carlos Baleba is expected to man the midfield while Mbeumo will play just behind the Levante Striker Karl Etta Eyong as Cameroon seek to stun the holders.
