Five-time Africa Cup of Nations winners Cameroon fought back to secure a hard-earned 1-1
draw against defending champions Ivory Coast in Marrakech, a result that lifted both sides to
four points in Group F and left qualification firmly within reach.
The opening half was tense and physical, with both teams largely cancelling each other out.
Clear chances were scarce, although Cameroon came closest when Christian Kofane’s first-time
effort was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, the
standout moment of a tightly contested first period.
The match sprang into life after the interval. Franck Kessie thought he had given Ivory Coast the
lead, but his finish was ruled out for offside.
Moments later, Cameroon were denied by the woodwork again as Danny Namaso’s deflected
strike struck the frame of the goal.
Ivory Coast eventually broke the deadlock just before the hour mark when Amad Diallo created
space on the edge of the area and curled a superb shot beyond the goalkeeper for his second goal
of the tournament.
Cameroon responded swiftly as Junior Tchamadeu’s powerful effort from the right side of the
box took a decisive deflection off Ghislain Konan and looped over the backpedalling Devis
Epassy to level the scores.
Cameroon pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Bryan Mbeumo sending a dangerous
free-kick narrowly wide, but neither side could find a decisive breakthrough.
The draw guarantees both teams at least a top-three finish in the group, keeping them firmly on
course for the knockout stages.
Cameroon Show Grit to Hold Defending Champions Cote d’Ivoire
