Defending champions Ivory Coast were forced to share the spoils with fellow contenders Cameroon as a thrilling clash of Africa Cup of Nations heavyweights lived up to expectations.
After neither side could convert their chances before half-time, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo broke the deadlock in brilliant fashion as he curled his effort into the top corner in the 51st minute.
Ivory Coast's advantage would last just five minutes, however, with Junior Tchamadeu's effort taking a wicked deflection off Ghislain Konan to fortuitously fly beyond Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and level things for Cameroon.
Both sides pushed for a winner, with Bryan Mbeumo coming close with a free-kick, but it ended all square to keep things precariously open in Group F going into the final round of fixtures.
Follow all the latest updates in our blog below:
Ivory Coast v Cameroon live
- Ivory Coast draw 1-1 with Cameroon in Afcon Group F
- 56' GOAL! Freak own goal from Konan levels things [CIV 1-1 CAM]
- 51' GOAL! Amad curls into far corner to open scoring [CIV 1-0 CAM]
- 49' DISALLOWED GOAL! Kessie has ball in net but is offside [CIV 0-0 CAM]
- 22' OFF THE BAR! Kofane hits woodwork after slick move [CIV 0-0 CAM]
Ivory Coast and Cameroon share spoils in clash of Afcon heavyweights after freak own goal
22:25 , Chris WilsonManchester United's Amad Diallo was on target but Cameroon hit back to hold Ivory Coast to a 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations clash in Marrakesh.
Amad put Ivory Coast ahead after 51 minutes of the Group F encounter when he raced onto a long ball from deep and curled in a shot from the edge of the area.
The lead lasted just five minutes as Junior Tchamadeu's shot took a wicked deflection off Ghislain Konan and looped into the net.
Ivory Coast and Cameroon share spoils in clash of Afcon heavyweights
Afcon key dates
23:00 , Chris WilsonThe group stages run from Sunday 21 December to Wednesday 31 December, while the knockout stages begin on Saturday 3 January.
The semi-finals take place on Wednesday, 14 January, while the final will be played on Sunday, 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Who has qualified so far?
22:45 , Chris WilsonOnly three sides have definitely secured qualification so far, with Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria all taking their places in the round of 16.
The following nations are currently sitting top of their respective groups ahead of the final round of games:
Group A - Morocco
Group D - Senegal
Group F - Cameroon
All of the top two sides qualify automatically, with the four third-placed sides with the best records also advancing.
Afcon fixtures
22:35 , Chris WilsonHere’s a list of the rest of the group stage fixtures, with the tournament resuming after the New Year with the round of 16.
Monday, December 29, 2025
Angola v Egypt | 4:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Zimbabwe v South Africa | 4:00 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Comoros v Mali | 7:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Zambia v Morocco | 7:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Tanzania v Tunisia | 4:00 PM | Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
Uganda v Nigeria | 4:00 PM | Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès, Morocco
Benin v Senegal | 7:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Botswana v Congo DR | 7:00 PM | Stade El Barid, Rabat, Morocco
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Equatorial Guinea v Algeria | 4:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat, Morocco
Sudan v Burkina Faso | 4:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Gabon v Ivory Coast | 7:00 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Mozambique v Cameroon | 7:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Next up
22:15 , Chris WilsonBoth sides face their final matches of the group stage next then.
Both games take place on new Year’s Eve, with Ivory Coast facing Gabon and Cameroon taking on Mozambique. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST for both fixtures.
Group F table
22:07 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the table looks in Group F then:
1. Cameroon – 4pts (P2 W1 D1 L0 GD+1)
2. Côte d’Ivoire – 4pts (P2 W1 D1 L0 GD+1)
3. Mozambique – 3pts (P2 W1 D0 L1 GD0)
4. Gabon – 0pts (P2 W0 D0 L2 GD-2)
FULL-TIME! Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
22:01 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:56 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the match to an end and it’s a point each for Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, with both sides producing a thoroughly entertaining match but neither able to earn the win.
It means both will need to be at their best once more in the final group games in order to secure top spot.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:54 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Ivory Coast win a corner with just over 90 seconds remaining.
Diomande delivers but Inao can’t make anything of it, before Cameroon counter at pace.
Bassogog threads it through into the path of Mbeumo, who fires a shot that is blocked brilliantly by a sliding Kossounou.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:51 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of four minutes of added time as Ivory Coast lose it but Cameroon can’t capitalise as the ball to Mbeumo is poor.
One more change for Cameroon as Flavien Enzo Boyomo comes on for Arthur Avom in midfield.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:49 , Chris Wilson89 mins
A rare Ivory Coast counter sees Kessie unable to latch onto the through ball, and the holders seem to have produced all they can in attack at the moment.
It’s certainly Cameroon who look more likely to grab a late winner.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:46 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Cameroon are probably having the better of it late on and they win another corner.
Ivory Coast make a change as Wilfried Zaha comes on for Amad.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:43 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Both sides are trying to find that final bit of quality at the moment, with both Mbeumo and Bassogog failing to find it in recent attacks.
You’d imagine both sides will have decent chances before the final whistle.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:41 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Another change for Cameroon as Tchamadeu makes way for Christian Mougang Bassogog.
Moments later, Inao goes into the book despite winning the ball in a challenge with Baleba, and the Brighton midfielder is down for a bit after.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:38 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Mbeumo tries to squeeze through moments before Kemen wins a free-kick right on the edge of the area in a very dangerous position.
It’s about 20 yards out, slightly to the left of the ‘D’.
Mbeumo hits it but it flies wide of the far post.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:35 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Another yellow here as Tchamadeu cuts down Inao. Both sides fighting for control but neither is getting it!
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:34 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Changes for Cameroon as Etta Eyong and Olivier Kemen come on for Loader and Kofane.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:31 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Another half-chance as Amad clips in a ball that Bayo heads down, but there’s too much on it for Kessie to turn it in.
The Ivory Coast make two changes as Evan Guessand and Christ Inao come on for Fofana and Bayo.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:28 , Chris Wilson68 mins
Kessie seems to be at the heart of every attack for the Ivory Coast as he has half a chance once again as the ball is laid off in the box, though he can’t squeeze an effort on target.
The corner is flicked across the face of the goal by a Cameroon defender and Gbamin is inches away from turning it in.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:27 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Another lull in activity as both sides fight for control of the ball. Plenty of space on the counter for both teams to exploit, but neither has managed to do it properly so far.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:25 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Cameroon win a free-kick midway into the Ivory Coast half and it’s a chance to float a ball into the box.
Mbeumo delivers but the holders clear for now.
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:21 , Chris Wilson60 mins
A crazy opening to the second half in Marrakesh, and we can only hope it continues like this.
There are certainly good signs, as Kessie heads down Doue’s cross to force a good save from Epassy.
The Ivory Coast make the first change as Jean-Philippe Gbamin comes on for Sangare.
GOAL! Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
21:18 , Chris Wilson55 mins
GOAL! An equaliser already for the Indomitable Lions!
It’s a freak goal too, as the ball comes wide to Tchamadeu in the box and he tries to fire a shot towards goal.
The effort is probably on target but it takes a wicked deflection and nestles just out of reach of Fofana right in the bottom corner!
GOAL! Ivory Coast 1-0 Cameroon
21:13 , Chris Wilson52 mins
GOAL! What a finish this is from Amad!
It’s exactly the situation that he thrives in, receiving the ball wide on the right in space, and he makes the most of it by cutting inside ans curling an effort into the far corner!
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
21:11 , Chris Wilson50 mins
OFF THE BAR! Another chance for Cameroon as Loader hits a deflected effort that cannons off the bar!
DISALLOWED GOAL! Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
21:10 , Chris Wilson49 mins
DISALLOWED GOAL! This is close and it’ll be reviewed.
Diomande swings in a cross and Bayo heads it down to Kessie, who controls it brilliantly before producing an acrobatic finish.
He thinks he’s given his side the lead but he’s flagged offside!
Replays show he had drifted off and the goal is chalked off!
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
21:08 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Mbeumo almost squeezes through in the Ivory Coast box but Cameroon are forced to come again.
Moments later, the United winger swings in a cross that drops to Loader, who looks certain to fire in for the opener, but the defender gets a touch just before and he rifles it wide!
KICK-OFF! Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
21:05 , Chris WilsonWe’re back underway in Marrakesh! Can either side grab the winner in the next 45 minutes or so?
HALF-TIME! Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:59 , Chris WilsonIt’s been an entertaining first half in Marrakesh, with chances for both sides and a superb save from Fofana keeping it level.
Both teams have looked to score goals and take the game by the scruff of the neck, so we can only hope for more in the second period.
The second half will be underway soon.
HALF-TIME! Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:54 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:47 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just one minute of stoppage time in Marrakech. The Ivory Coast are knocking it around but it doesn’t look like we’l have another chance this half.
We do not, and the referee brings an end to an entertaining half at the Marrakech Stadium!
The two sides have both had chances but we’re level at the break.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:45 , Chris Wilson44 mins
More pressure from the Ivory Coast to finish the half, with Kessie playing a great through ball into the path of Amad, who wins a corner as he ventures into the area.
The winger tries to squeeze a shot through from the corner but it’s blocked and Cameroon regroup with possession.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
CLOSE! A good chance for the Ivory Coast as Amad swings an early cross into a central area and Bayo heads over from just a few yards!
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:41 , Chris Wilson39 mins
A Cameroon free-kick is diverted away from danger and the Ivory Coast soon have a counter, but Amad can’t make anything of it.
There’s plenty of space opening up now as the half approaches an end.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:37 , Chris Wilson36 mins
A little confusion here as Fofana collides with the referee and we have a drop ball. Another lull in activity since that chance for the Rennes midfielder.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:36 , Chris Wilson33 mins
There’s a brief break in play as Epassy receives some treatment after colliding with his defender on the corner.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:32 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Half a chance for the Cote d’Ivoire as we see Amad’s first real involvement, with the United winger beating his man and cutting it back.
It runs to Kessie, who turns and lays it off to Fofana, but his shot is deflected over.
Amad delivers the corner but Kossounou heads wide at the back post.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:29 , Chris Wilson27 mins
More pressure from Cameroon, who win a corner that Loader delivers. It’s cleared at the near post, but the Indomitable Lions quickly put a stop to the counter and win the ball back. They’re certainly in the ascendancy now.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:27 , Chris Wilson25 mins
Cameroon are beginning to get onto the ball a lot more, perhaps now sensing that they’re in the ascendancy after those chances.
Mbeumo wins a corner and delivers the ball in from the right, though the chance goes after Baleba fires a half-volley high and wide.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:24 , Chris Wilson22 mins
CLOSE! Still no shots on target but you can hardly get closer than this!
It’s a great move from Cameroon, with Mbeumo sliding a ball through to Tchamadeu, who cuts it back to Kofane.
The striker takes the first-time shot and it beats the ‘keeper but crashes off the crossbar and away!
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:21 , Chris Wilson20 mins
A bit of a lull in activity here in terms of chances, with both sides struggling to keep possession for a sustained period. No shots on target so far!
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:20 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Plenty of cheers as Kylian Mbappe takes a seat and he’s shown on the big screens. His father, Wilfrid, was born on the Cameroonian island of Douala.
Moments after he flashes up on screen, Kotto does brilliantly to divert a cross onto the head of Kessie and away from danger.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:16 , Chris Wilson15 mins
First yellow card of the day goes to Baleba as he scythes down Seko Fofana.
Both sides have grown into the game but it’s the Ivory Coast who are dominating, despite the fact that Cameroon have had the best chance.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:13 , Chris Wilson11 mins
CLOSE! The first real chance of the game falls to Cameroon, who sweep it wide before Tchamadeu clips a cross to the back post and Yongwa volleys into the side-netting!
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Ivory Coast win a free-kick in a dangerous position around 35 yards out. Diomande delivers it into a promising position and there are some muted penalty appeals, though the ref waves it away for now.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:08 , Chris Wilson7 mins
The first corner of the days goes to the Ivory Coast, with Tolo doing well to put a dangerous cross out of play.
The set-piece results in Diomande cutting it back for Amad on the edge of the area, but the winger curls an effort wide.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:06 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Plenty of space in midfield for both sides early on, with neither looking to press an awful lot early on.
Cameroon are yet to knit together a meaningful attack but both sides seem to have settled fairly well.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
An early foray forward from the Ivory Coast sees a mis-placed cross cannon off the crossbar! Some early drama at the Marrakech Stadium.
KICK-OFF! Ivory Coast 0-0 Cameroon
20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in Ouahat Sidi Brahim!
Ivory Coast v Cameroon live
19:57 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are out onto the pitch at the Marrakech Stadium, so we’ll be underway soon!
Ivory Coast v Cameroon live
19:50 , Chris WilsonSo, around 10 minutes from kick-off in this Group F clash. A reminder that the winner will likely top of the group and play the runner-up in Group E, with the runner-up here likely facing South Africa in the next round!
When is Ivory Coast vs Cameroon?
19:45 , Chris WilsonJust 15 minutes until kick-off here, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s match...
The Afcon group-stage clash between Ivory Coast and Cameroon kicks off at 8pm GMT on Sunday 28 December at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakesh, Morocco.
How can I watch it?
The game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show this game on 4Seven and online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Ivory Coast's pre-match prepartions
19:37 , Will Castle
Who has qualified so far?
19:25 , Chris WilsonOnly Nigeria and Egypt have qualified for the round of 16 so far, with both having won both of their opening games to sit on a maximum of six points.
Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon could potentially join them in securing a place in the next round tonight.
Games to watch: Ivory Coast v Cameroon
19:19 , Chris WilsonSebastian Haller inspired Ivory Coast to their Afcon title two years ago but is out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. The return of Wilfried Zaha, two years since his last international appearance is intriguing, while in Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande, who has impressed for Leipzig this season, the Ivory Coast still possess plenty of firepower.
This Group F clash would appear to be a heavyweight one - but how will Cameroon turn up after a chaotic build-up? After failing to qualify for the World Cup, Cameroon sacked coach Marc Brys just three weeks before the start of Afcon amid allegations of "subterfuge" and appointed his assistant, David Pagou, who promptly left out Cameroon’s legendary captain Vincent Aboubakar and former Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana from the squad.
Premier League firepower
19:13 , Will CastleDefending champions Ivory Coast field a strong side that includes Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare and Manchester United star Amad, but the Ivorian winger isn’t the only Red Devil on show this evening.
United top scorer Bryan Mbeumo lines up for Cameroon to set up a clash with his teammate, with his side reinforced by Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
CONFIRMED LINE-UPS!
19:05 , Will CastleIvory Coast XI: Y. Fofana; Doue, Ndicka, Kossounou, Konan; Kessie, S. Fofana, Sangare; Diomande, Bayo, Amad.
Cameroon XI: Epassy; Malone, Kotto, Tolo; Tchamadeu, Baleba, Ebong, Namaso, Yongwa; Mbeumo, Kofane.
Team news
18:50 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released at any point around 7pm, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Ivory Coast emerged from their opener without any injury concerns.
Wilfried Zaha was started as a striker but failed to score and was taken off with just over 20 minutes remaining in favour of Vakoun Bayo, while Amad is expected to retain his place after scoring the winner.
Willy Boly and Evann Guessand, both unused substitutes last time out, are hoping to feature.
Cameroon also reported no fresh injury issues from their opening win.
Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba and matchwinner Etta Eyong are all likely to keep their starting places ahead of this match.
Group F standings
18:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s how Group F looks ahead of the second round of fixtures:
1 – Ivory Coast - 3pts, GD +1
2 – Cameroon - 3pts, GD +1
3 – Mozambique - 3pts, GD 0
4 – Gabon - 3pts, GD -2
Upcoming Afcon fixtures
18:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s a list of the final Afcon fixtures before the New Year, with fixtures resuming again on 3 January:
Monday, December 29, 2025
Angola v Egypt | 4:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Zimbabwe v South Africa | 4:00 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Comoros v Mali | 7:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Zambia v Morocco | 7:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Tanzania v Tunisia | 4:00 PM | Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
Uganda v Nigeria | 4:00 PM | Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès, Morocco
Benin v Senegal | 7:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Botswana v Congo DR | 7:00 PM | Stade El Barid, Rabat, Morocco
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Equatorial Guinea v Algeria | 4:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat, Morocco
Sudan v Burkina Faso | 4:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Gabon v Ivory Coast | 7:00 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Mozambique v Cameroon | 7:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Afcon Groups
18:22 , Chris WilsonGroup A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Reigning champions in action
18:15 , Will CastleIvory Coast are the reigning Afcon champions and therefore have a target on their back in Morocco, with fellow contenders Cameroon undoubtedly eager to strike a blow to their hopes of lifting back-to-back titles.
The holders began their campaign with a slender 1-0 win over Mozambique on Christmas Eve, with Amad Diallo’s 49th-minute strike proving the difference.
But with Cameroon also doing the business against Gabon, Group F is left on a knife-edge going into tonight’s mini cup final, which will surely decide who tops the group and gets a more favourable draw.
Afcon 2025: Fixtures, results, tables and schedule in full from Africa Cup of Nations
18:03 , Chris WilsonThe 2025 Africa Cup of Nations sees 24 nations vie for Afcon glory over the coming weeks, as Morocco plays host for the second time.
The 24 teams have been split into six groups of four, with the winners and runners-up progressing to the knockout phase, along with the best four third-placed nations.
Morocco stepped up to host after Guinea was stripped of staging rights over concerns about infrastructure and facilities in the country.
The host cities are the capital Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier, with the tournament playing out in nine different stadiums.
Afcon 2025: Fixtures, results, tables and schedule in full from Africa Cup of Nations
Team news
17:46 , Chris WilsonIvory Coast emerged from their opener without any injury concerns.
Wilfried Zaha was started as a striker but failed to score and was taken off with just over 20 minutes remaining in favour of Vakoun Bayo, while Amad is expected to retain his place after scoring the winner.
Willy Boly and Evann Guessand, both unused substitutes last time out, are hoping to feature.
Cameroon also reported no fresh injury issues from their opening win.
Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba and matchwinner Etta Eyong are all likely to keep their starting places ahead of this match.
Good evening
17:30 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Africa Cup of Nations match between holders Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
The match sees two of the favourites meet in the group stage as both eye top spot in Group F, with plenty of Premier League talent on show in Morocco.
We’ll have all the latest updates right here.
