Verdict: Morocco win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a heavyweight AFCON quarter-final showdown on Friday night, host nation Morocco will meet Cameroon in Rabat.
Cameroon
Starting with Cameroon, suffering major World Cup qualifying heartbreak on November 13th as they fell to an infamous 1-0 loss against the D.R. Congo, David Pagou’s camp opened their AFCON adventure last month with a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders. However, getting proceedings underway with a 1-0 victory against Gabon, the Indomitable Lions have not shown any signs of a hangover. Collecting a heavyweight scalp last weekend as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against South Africa, Cameroon are enjoying what has become a real AFCON flurry. Unbeaten in their four showdowns over in Morocco (three wins, one draw), Pagou’s side will be looking to spring a famous upset in Rabat and send the home nation packing. However, it should be highlighted that the Greens fell to a nightmare 4-0 drumming when they last met Morocco back in February 2021.
Cameroon Team News
Appearing distressed after picking up a first-half knock against South Africa last weekend, Lorient defender Darlin Yongwa will miss out on Friday night. In what was a pair of shock omissions last month, the duo of Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are not part of Pagou’s squad in Morocco.
While attacking talisman Bryan Mbeumo might still be waiting to open his AFCON account, the Manchester United superstar will lead Cameroon’s charge in the final third. Continuing to attract a string of heavyweight Premier League interest, Brighton ace Carlos Baleba will start in the middle of the park.
Morocco
As for Morocco, while the Atlas Lions might have suffered a disappointing Round of 16 exit over in the Ivory Coast two years ago, Walid Regragui’s camp are widely regarded as a standout contender to get their hands on a first AFCON crown since way back in 1976. Backed by a vocal home support this month, the former Wydad boss saw his squad wrap up top spot in Group A without breaking much of a sweat. Extending on their knockout stage adventure with a gritty 1-0 victory against Tanzania, Morocco have also gained a reputation for their defensive steel. Including a routine 3-0 win against Zambia last month, Friday’s hosts have conceded just a single AFCON strike so far. Likewise, claiming that sensational 4-0 romp when they last met Cameroon back in 2021, the Atlas Lions will be dreaming of a repeat display here.
Morocco Team News
Bagging the winner against Tanzania last weekend and now finding the net in all of his four AFCON appearances, Real Madrid ace Brahim Diaz will play a leading role in the final third. Making a first start in Rabat last week, PSG superstar Achraf Hakimi will lead out Morocco and earn a 91st international cap.
Missing out last weekend with a reported calf issue, Regragui’s camp are once again expected to be without Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi on Friday night. Still waiting to open his AFCON account, Fenerbahce striker Youssef En Nesyri will likely settle for a spot on the bench.
Cameroon vs Morocco Key Factors to Consider
- When Cameroon and Morocco last met back in February 2021, the Atlas Lions stormed their way to an empathic 4-0 victory.
- Both Cameroon and Morocco are unbeaten in their four respective AFCON appearances (three wins, one draw).
- Cameroon have notched just a single strike in any of their previous three meetings against Morocco.
- This month’s host nation have conceded just a single strike in their four AFCON appearances on home soil.
- Including that winner against Tanzania last weekend, Real Madrid superstar Brahim Diaz has found the net in all of his four AFCON appearances.
Conclusion
Widely regarded as a genuine contender to get their hands on a first AFCON crown in 50 years, Morocco will be looking to claim a heavyweight scalp on Friday night. Gaining a reputation for their gritty defensive performances, the Atlas Lions will also be excited by their most recent showdowns against their quarter-final rivals. Storming their way to an empathic 4-0 romp when they last met Cameroon back in February 2021, Regragui’s men will also be backed by a passionate home support.
Verdict: Morocco win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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