Cameroon vs Morocco: Prediction, Lineups, Kickoff Time | AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final

Cameroon vs Morocco — Match Preview

The Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat will be shaking on Friday, 9 January 2026, as the host nation Morocco faces the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a colossal AFCON Quarter-Final. Morocco, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, scraped past Tanzania 1–0 in the Round of 16, continuing their unbeaten run. However, the pressure of being the host nation is mounting. Standing in their way is a Cameroon side that showed immense character to defeat South Africa 2–1 in the previous round. With both teams yet to lose a game in this tournament, this is widely seen as a “final before the final.”

Cameroon vs Morocco — Match Info

• Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (Quarter-Final)
• Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat (Capacity: 69,500)
• Date: Friday, 9 January 2026
• Kickoff: 20:00 GMT | 21:00 WAT | 21:00 CET
• Referee: TBC (CAF Appointment)

Cameroon vs Morocco — Match Stakes

Cameroon:

• Win → Advances to the Semi-Finals; eliminates the host nation and becomes the favorite to lift the trophy.
• Loss → Elimination; a respectable run, but disappointment given their squad quality.

Morocco:

• Win → Advances to the Semi-Finals; keeps the dream of winning AFCON on home soil alive.
• Loss → A national heartbreak; failure to deliver as hosts despite a “Golden Generation” squad.

Cameroon vs Morocco — Team News

Cameroon:

• Baleba C. — Questionable (Injury – Midfield Engine Doubts)
• Yongwa D. — Questionable (Injury)
• Mbeumo B. — Available (Key threat; Manchester United winger).
• Namaso D. — Expected to lead the line after scoring in the previous round.
• Defense: Nouhou and Tchamadeu will have their hands full with Morocco’s overlap speed.

Morocco:

• Ounahi A. — Out (Calf Injury – Major Midfield Loss)
• Saiss R. — Questionable (Muscle Injury – Captain’s Fitness Concern)
• Hakimi A. — Available (Key weapon on the right flank).
• Diaz B. — Available (Real Madrid star expected to create from the #10 role).
• El Kaabi A. — Preferred over En-Nesyri for this match, leading the attack.

Cameroon vs Morocco — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Cameroon

• 05/01 — 2–1 vs South Africa (AFCON R16)
• 01/01 — 2–1 vs Mozambique (AFCON Group)
• 29/12 — 1–1 vs Ivory Coast (AFCON Group)
• 25/12 — 1–0 vs Gabon (AFCON Group)
• 14/11 — 0–1 vs DR Congo (WC Qualifier)

Morocco

• 04/01 — 1–0 vs Tanzania (AFCON R16)
• 30/12 — 3–0 vs Zambia (AFCON Group)
• 27/12 — 1–1 vs Mali (AFCON Group)
• 22/12 — 2–0 vs Comoros (AFCON Group)
• 18/12 — 2–2 vs Jordan (Arab Cup)

Cameroon vs Morocco — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

• 04/02/2021 — Morocco 4–0 Cameroon (CHAN)
• 17/11/2018 — Morocco 2–0 Cameroon (AFCON Qualifier)
• 10/06/2017 — Cameroon 1–0 Morocco (AFCON Qualifier)
• 14/11/2011 — Morocco 1–1 Cameroon (Friendly – Morocco won on pens)
• 14/11/2011 — Morocco 1–1 Cameroon (LG Cup)

Cameroon vs Morocco — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

Cameroon (4-3-3)

Epassy; Tchamadeu, Kotto, Kofane, Nouhou; Kemen, Avom, Malone Junior; Mbeumo, Namaso, Nagida

Morocco (4-2-3-1)

Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, El Khannouss; Diaz, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi

Cameroon vs Morocco — Impact Bench

Cameroon: Aboubakar (Veteran leadership), Ngamaleu (Creativity)

Morocco: En-Nesyri (Aerial threat), Adli (Pace/Dribbling)

Cameroon vs Morocco — Tactical Analysis

Cameroon

The Indomitable Lions rely on physicality and quick transitions. Without Carlos Baleba dominating the midfield, they may struggle to control possession against Morocco’s technical players. Their game plan will be to absorb pressure and release Bryan Mbeumo down the wing to exploit the space left by Achraf Hakimi’s forward runs.

Morocco

Walid Regragui’s side will dominate the ball (60%+ possession). The loss of Azzedine Ounahi is significant, as he usually links defense and attack. Brahim Diaz will need to drop deeper to collect the ball. Morocco’s full-backs (Hakimi and Mazraoui) essentially play as wingers, looking to overload Cameroon’s flanks. However, they looked nervy against Tanzania and must be more clinical in front of goal.

Cameroon vs Morocco — Key Battles

• Mbeumo vs Mazraoui — Premier League duel on the wing.
• Hakimi vs Nouhou — The world’s best right-back vs one of Africa’s toughest defenders.
• El Kaabi vs Kotto — Movement vs Strength in the box.
• Bono vs Epassy — A battle of goalkeepers who perform in big moments.

Cameroon vs Morocco — Spotlight Players

Cameroon — Bryan Mbeumo

The Manchester United winger is Cameroon’s X-factor. In a game where chances will be limited, his ability to cut inside and curl shots or deliver set-pieces is vital.

Morocco — Brahim Diaz

With Ounahi out, Diaz is the creative heartbeat. The Real Madrid star has the vision to unlock a deep block, which Cameroon is likely to employ for large spells.

Cameroon vs Morocco — Prediction

Cameroon 1–2 Morocco (AET)

This feels like a game that will go the distance. Cameroon are incredibly difficult to beat, but the home advantage in Rabat cannot be understated. Morocco’s defense (only 1 goal conceded in 4 games) is elite. It may take extra time, but the hosts should have just enough individual quality from the bench (like En-Nesyri) to edge it.

Cameroon vs Morocco — Betting Insights

• Under 2.5 Goals — High Probability (Quarter-finals are often cagey).
• Morocco to Qualify — Value Bet.
• Half-Time Draw — Likely.

Cameroon vs Morocco — Where to Watch

• Morocco: Arryadia / Al Aoula
• Cameroon: CRTV
• International: beIN Sports, Canal+ Afrique, BBC Three (UK)

Cameroon vs Morocco — FAQs

Q: When is the Cameroon vs Morocco match?

A: The match kicks off on Friday, 9 January 2026, at 20:00 GMT.

Q: Is Azzedine Ounahi playing?

A: No. He is ruled out with a calf injury.

Q: Is this a knockout game?

A: Yes, it is the Quarter-Final. The winner goes to the Semi-Finals.

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