By Victor Okoye, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and hosts Morocco’s Atlas Lions rekindle one of Africa’s most storied rivalries when history, pride and destiny collide in a high-stake 2025 AFCON quarter-final in Rabat on Friday.
The high-voltage encounter is scheduled to hold at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, from 8 p.m. (Nigerian time).
It is a heavyweight duel steeped in AFCON history, marking the fourth finals meeting between the nations, with Cameroon unbeaten against Morocco at the continental showpiece.
Remarkably, this is their first AFCON clash this century and first finals encounter in 39 years, 11 months and 29 days, reigniting one of Africa’s classic rivalries.
Their AFCON story began in 1986, when Abdelkrim Krimau’s strike put Morocco ahead before Roger Milla’s iconic 89th-minute equaliser secured a 1-1 draw.
Both teams advanced from Group B, setting the tone for a rivalry defined by drama, resilience and decisive moments on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Cameroon struck again in 1988, eliminating hosts Morocco in the semi-finals as Cyril Makanaky’s 78th-minute goal silenced the Casablanca crowd.
The Indomitable Lions completed an AFCON hat-trick over Morocco in 1992, André Kana-Biyik scoring the winner in a 1-0 Group B victory.
Between 1981 and 2017, Cameroon dominated the fixture, going unbeaten in 13 matches, winning six and drawing four across competitive and friendly encounters.
Morocco have since shifted momentum, winning the last two meetings, including a 2-0 AFCON 2019 qualifying victory inspired by Hakim Ziyech.
They also dismantled Cameroon 4-0 in the 2020 CHAN semi-finals, a result that still fuels Moroccan belief ahead of this quarter-final.
Cameroon’s record against AFCON hosts inspires confidence, with six wins, five draws and only two defeats from 13 such encounters.
They are unbeaten in their last six matches against tournament hosts and boast nine clean sheets in those 13 games.
Their knockout pedigree is imposing, losing just once against hosts, the 1986 final, while beating Senegal, Morocco, Mali, Ghana and Nigeria.
Cameroon coach David Pagou said legacy matters. “This team understands history, but we play for today, not yesterday. Pressure motivates us.”
Pagou added: “Morocco are organised, talented and at home. To beat them, we must suffer, stay disciplined and seize our moments.”
The Indomitable Lions reached the quarter-finals after a gritty 2-1 win over South Africa, their 49th AFCON victory.
That success came in spite of just 33.5 per cent possession, the lowest by any quarter-finalist, underlining Cameroon’s efficiency and tactical maturity.
Junior Tchamadeu etched his name in history, becoming the first Cameroonian defender to score in an AFCON knockout since 2017.
Christian Kofane arrives in form, scoring in consecutive matches and leading Cameroon with 12 shot attempts at the tournament.
Morocco enter their fifth AFCON quarter-final after edging Tanzania 1-0, extending an impressive run of three clean sheets at Morocco 2025.
They have controlled games through possession, completing a tournament-high 2,184 passes and recording 71% possession against Tanzania.
Morocco have scored seven goals, though none in the final 15 minutes, highlighting dominance but also a late-game challenge.
Brahim Diaz headlines their attack, scoring four goals, a Moroccan record for a single AFCON, and netting in four successive matches.
Achraf Hakimi’s first assist of the tournament underlined Morocco’s growing attacking rhythm ahead of the decisive knockout test.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui welcomed the occasion. “These are the matches players dream of, against champions who know how to win.”
Regragui added: “Cameroon punish mistakes. We must control emotions, respect history, and play with courage for our people.”
As Cameroon chase an 11th AFCON semi-final and Morocco seek their first since 2004, Rabat braces for a night where pride meets destiny.(NANFeatures)
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