A heavyweight collision is set for tonight, Friday, January 9, 2026, as host nation Morocco takes on the five-time champions Cameroon in a high-stakes AFCON 2025 quarter-final. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The winner of this "Battle of the Lions" will advance to the semi-finals to face either Algeria or Nigeria on January 14.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Quarter-Final)
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT / 20:00 local / 14:00 ET
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Referee: Mateo Busquets Ferrer
Broadcast: beIN SPORTS (Global), Canal+ (Africa), Sky Sports (UK)
The Storyline: Host Pressure vs. The "Giant-Killer" Pedigree
Morocco: Carrying the Hopes of a Nation
Walid Regragui’s "Atlas Lions" have been efficient if not always explosive. After a slow start to the tournament, they found their rhythm with a 3–0 win over Zambia in the groups and a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania in the Round of 16. With Brahim Díaz leading the tournament scoring charts (4 goals), Morocco is desperate to end a 50-year title drought on home soil. However, they face the immense weight of expectation from a sell-out crowd in Rabat.
Cameroon: The Unpredictable Force
Despite off-field turmoil involving the federation and the dismissal of coach Marc Brys weeks before the tournament, the "Indomitable Lions" have remained resolute. Under new coach David Pagou, they have embraced a "compact and counter" style that dispatched South Africa 2–1 in the previous round. Historically, Cameroon is the ultimate "spoiler" against host nations; they are unbeaten in their last six matches against AFCON hosts and famously knocked Morocco out of their own tournament in 1988.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Morocco Team News
Major Blow: Midfield engine Azzedine Ounahi has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a calf muscle tear. Bilal El Khannouss is expected to fill the creative void.
Defensive Boost: Captain Achraf Hakimi has returned to full fitness and will start at right-back.
Form Man: Brahim Díaz has scored in four successive matches and is currently the Golden Boot favorite.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; Amrabat; El Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari, Díaz; El Kaabi.
Cameroon Team News
Missing Stars: The squad remains without Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar, who were omitted from the final list.
Fitness Concern: Left-back Darlin Yongwa faces a late test after an injury against South Africa. Nouhou Tolo is ready to step in.
Rising Star: 19-year-old Christian Kofane has emerged as their primary threat, scoring twice so far this tournament.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Epassy; Tchamadeu, Malone Junior, Kotto, Nouhou; Avom, Baleba, Dina Ebimbe; Mbeumo, Namaso, Kofane.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
AFCON History: Cameroon is undefeated against Morocco in AFCON finals history (W2 D1 L0).
Historical Record: Overall, Cameroon has won 6 of the 13 meetings, with Morocco winning only 2.
The "Host" Curse: Cameroon has eliminated the host nation in five previous AFCON knockout matches.
Morocco's Defense: The hosts have conceded only one goal in four matches, the best defensive record remaining in the competition.
Tactical Analysis: Possession vs. Pragmatism
This match is a classic clash of philosophies. Morocco averages the highest possession in the tournament (over 60%), using Hakimi and Díaz to pin opponents back. Regragui will look to use the Rabat crowd to create an early onslaught.
Cameroon will be content to sit deep and absorb pressure. With Carlos Baleba anchoring the midfield and Bryan Mbeumo providing elite work rate on the flanks, the Indomitable Lions will look for "rapid transitions." If Cameroon can survive the first 30 minutes, the anxiety in the stadium could become their 12th man.
Match Prediction
Morocco has the home advantage and the individual brilliance of Brahim Díaz, but Cameroon’s history of ruining host nations' parties is legendary. Expect a cagey affair that could go the distance.
Final Score Prediction: Morocco 1–1 Cameroon (Morocco win in Extra Time)
