Indomitable Lions out to prolong Atlas Lions' AFCON title wait

Cameroon will face off with the hosts, Morocco, in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, on Friday.

Kick-off is at 9:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Indomitable Lions advanced to the last eight after securing a 2-1 win over South Africa in a Round of 16 match on January 4, extending their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions, including three victories.

The hard-fought victory over 1996 AFCON winners Bafana Bafana has boosted Cameroon's hopes of going all the way and clinching a sixth continental title, which would see them edge closer to Egypt's record (seven trophies).

Morocco, on the other hand, were made to sweat for a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in their Round of 16 showdown on January 4, as they extended their unbeaten run to 23 matches across all competitions, including a world record 19-game winning streak.

The Indomitable Lions have an edge over the Atlas Lions when it comes to AFCON matches.

They meet again tomorrow in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 quarter-finals 🔥#SSFootball pic.twitter.com/V8qMmY9BHc — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 8, 2026

The Atlas Lions and Moroccans are dreaming of an AFCON title triumph on home soil, which would end the nation's long drought, having won their first and only continental trophy in 1976, and the fans could be key to the team's success campaign.

The winner between Cameroon and Morocco will face either Algeria or Nigeria in the semifinals on January 14 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

TEAM NEWS

Cameroon have no suspension concerns, but they will be hoping that Darlin Yongwa is cleared to face Morocco as he picked up an injury during the game against South Africa, which led to his injury-enforced substitute.

Meanwhile, Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a calf muscle tear, but the North Africans also do not have any suspension concerns.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba

“Yes, we are going to face Morocco, which is a strong side in African football," Baleba said.

"We are on a good run, and it’s up to us to keep a cool head and continue like this. Our mindset is very positive; we play for each other, and that is what makes our team strong.”

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui

“Playing with an open chest is neither necessary nor mandatory in all matches, including the upcoming Cameroon match," Regragui said.

"Therefore, we will look at and read the opponent and prepare as we should. In order to win, we must be very humble and make great sacrifices.”

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Cameroon and Morocco have met 13 times across all competitions since their maiden meeting in November 1981.

The Indomitable Lions have dominated this rivalry, winning six matches, compared to the Atlas Lions' two victories and five games ended in a draw.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 4-0 win in favour of Morocco in the 2020 CHAN semifinal match played at the Limbe Stadium, in February 2021.