Cameroon vs Morocco: AFCON 2025 – Team News, Start Time and Lineups

The quarterfinal stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivers one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes as Cameroon take on hosts Morocco in a heavyweight encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT) on January 9, with a place in the semifinals at stake.

Morocco enter the contest as one of the favorites to win the tournament, buoyed by home support and an impressive squad packed with international stars. The Atlas Lions have carried high expectations throughout the competition as they seek to end a long wait for continental glory on home soil. However, standing in their way is a determined Cameroon side that has overcome challenges both on and off the pitch to reach the last eight.

For Cameroon, much attention will be focused on forward Bryan Mbeumo, who remains one of the team’s key attacking threats. Coach David Pagou has expressed confidence in his squad despite the pressure surrounding the knockout stages. Cameroon have shown resilience throughout the tournament and will be looking to add another memorable chapter to their rich AFCON history.

Morocco’s preparations have been boosted by the return of captain Achraf Hakimi, who is fit and available after previous injury concerns. However, the hosts are without midfielder Azzedine Ounahi due to a muscle injury, while questions remained over the fitness of experienced players Sofyan Amrabat and Romain Saiss ahead of the match.

Cameroon also have a minor injury concern with defender Darlin Yongwa, who was forced off in an earlier match. Aside from that setback, the Indomitable Lions have most of their squad available for selection.

Expected Lineups

Cameroon:
Fabrice Epassy; Samuel Kotto, Nicolas Tolo, Yvan Malone; Nagida, Danny Namaso, Carlos Baleba, Arthur Ebong, Junior Tchamadeu; Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Kofane.

Morocco:
Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui; Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari; Brahim Diaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, Ayoub El Kaabi.

• With two of Africa’s football powerhouses facing off, fans can expect an intense battle filled with quality, passion and high stakes. Morocco will hope home advantage can inspire them to victory, while Cameroon will be eager to prove once again why they are known as the Indomitable Lions. The winner will move one step closer to lifting the AFCON 2025 trophy and writing a new chapter in African football history.