Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a heavyweight AFCON showdown on Sunday night, Ivory Coast and Cameroon will meet in Marrakech.
Ivory Coast
Starting with the Ivory Coast, making real history on home soil two years ago as they clinched a third AFCON crown, the Elephants once again opened up the defence of their title widely regarded as a standout contender. Although Emerse Fae’s camp might have failed to lay down an opening Group F marker, they did get proceedings underway with a 1-0 victory against Mozambique on Wednesday evening. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a routine 2-0 win against Oman, the former Clermont coach has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Storming their way to next summer’s World Cup finals over in North America, the Ivory Coast have also gained a reputation for their rugged defensive steel. In fact, the defending African champions have not conceded a single strike in any of their last seven competitive showdowns.
Ivory Coast Team News
Suffering a hamstring injury while with Utrecht earlier in the month, one-time West Ham striker Sebastien Haller will not play any part over in Morocco. Bagging the winner against Mozambique on Wednesday, Manchester United superstar Amad Diallo will play a leading role in the final third.
Now playing his domestic football with Saudi giants A-Ahli, former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie will lead out the Ivory Coast on Sunday night and earn a 98th international cap. Enjoying what was a stellar maiden campaign with MLS outfit Charlotte, ex-Crystal Palace skipper Wilfried Zaha will feature here.
Cameroon
As for Cameroon, suffering a Round of 16 exit at the hands of historic rivals Nigeria over in the Ivory Coast two years ago, Cameroon have plenty of expectations on their shoulders this time around. Despite facing a potential banana skin as they opened their AFCON adventure on Wednesday, the Indomitable Lions did clinch a gritty 1-0 victory against Gabon. However, coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last month as they watched their World Cup dreams go up in smoke following a 1-0 loss against D.R. Congo, Cameroon are also searching for some crucial fluidity in the final third. Signing off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a downbeat 0-0 stalemate against Angola, David Pagou’s side have mustered just a single strike in over 270 minutes of action across all formats.
Cameroon Team News
Suffering a reported blow during Cameroon’s 1-0 victory against Gabon on Wednesday, Pagou’s side are sweating over the fitness of Brighton ace Carlos Baleba. Bagging the winner earlier in the week, Levante youngster Karl Etta Eyong will spearhead the indomitable Lions’ charge in the final third.
Making a real impact after completing a blockbuster summer switch to Old Trafford, Manchester United superstar Bryan Mbeumo will play a leading role in attack. Left as an unused substitute in midweek, Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane could make his AFCON debut.
Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Key Factors to Consider
- When the Ivory Coast and Cameroon last met for a friendly showdown back in January 2023, Sunday’s opponents played out a 1-1 draw.
- The reigning African champions have not conceded a single strike in any of their last seven competitive showdowns.
- Cameroon have recorded just a single strike in over 270 minutes of action across all competitions.
- Each of Cameron’s last five appearances have finished with under 2.5 goals.
- Likewise, five of the last six meetings between the Ivory Coast and Cameroon have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While we might have a real heavyweight AFCON showdown on our hands this weekend, don’t be surprised to see chances come at a premium here. Watching both of the African giants open their respective festive adventures with 1-0 victories, the Very Coast and Cameroon do have a habit of producing nervy affairs. With five of the last six meetings between Sunday’s opponents finishing with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome in Marrakech.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet