The champions were forced to share. Ivory Coast, holders of the Africa Cup of Nations, drew 1-1 with Cameroon in a fierce Group F showdown in Marrakech. It was quick, tense, and full of swings. Amad Diallo struck first. A freak own goal pegged the Elephants back. By full-time, both giants left with a point and a reminder: Group F will go down to the wire.

A heavyweight Group F clash in Marrakech

This was the headline game of Matchday 2 in Group F, and it felt like it. The Grand Stadium of Marrakech was loud and lively for a 6:30 PM local kick-off on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Ivory Coast arrived as reigning champions. Cameroon came with their usual power and pride. Each team had started strong, and each wanted to take control of the group.

From the start, it was clear this would be tight. Tackles bit. Runs were strong. Both teams looked for space down the sides, and every set piece felt dangerous.

“This felt like a knockout game in the group stage — no room to breathe.”

Amad Diallo strikes again to ignite the holders

Ivory Coast broke through just after halftime. On 51 minutes, Amad Diallo found the net with style, his second goal of AFCON 2025. It was a sharp finish and a cool head in a heated game. The goal showed why Amad is trusted to carry big moments for his country.

For the holders, this was the script: get ahead, then manage the game. The Elephants had the lead, and the crowd could sense a push for a second. For a few minutes, Cameroon wobbled. But they did not fall.

A chaotic equalizer: Cameroon level through an own goal

The game flipped in five minutes. On 56 minutes, Cameroon were back level — but not through a classic finish. It came in messy fashion, a freak own goal that stunned Ivory Coast and lifted the Indomitable Lions. Some outlets recorded it as an own goal off Ghislain Konan. Others listed the moment under Junior Tchamadeu. What everyone agreed on: it was chaos in the box, and the ball was in the net.

That is tournament football. One ricochet can change the mood of a match and the shape of a group. Cameroon grabbed that luck and held it tight.

“Call it Konan, call it Tchamadeu — the equalizer was pure chaos and pure AFCON.”

Intensity, fouls, and fine margins

From the equalizer onward, the game was all about nerve. Ivory Coast tried to steady things. Cameroon looked for a late punch. A foul by Tchamadeu in the 75th minute summed up the edge in the contest — strong, hot, and right on the line. Every 50-50 mattered. Every clearance drew a breath.

Neither side found the one clean chance to win it. Both defenses stood up when it counted. In the end, 1-1 felt right for a match that had fire but few clear looks late on.

Key moments at a glance

• 51′ — Amad Diallo gives Ivory Coast the lead, his second of the tournament.
• 56′ — Cameroon level via an own goal, credited by different sources to Ghislain Konan or Junior Tchamadeu.
• 75′ — Foul by Tchamadeu highlights the physical tone down the stretch.

“Amad is playing like a star — two in two and carrying big moments for the champs.”

What the 1-1 means for AFCON 2025 Group F

The draw keeps the group wide open. Ivory Coast and Cameroon each move to 3 points. Mozambique also have 3 points, while Gabon are still on 0. With everything this tight, one play on Matchday 3 could swing the whole table.

For the holders, the point is not a disaster. They remain unbeaten and in control of their fate. For Cameroon, the comeback matters. It proves they can live with the champions and still make a deep run.

Storylines to watch ahead of Matchday 3

• Amad’s form: Two goals in two matches is the definition of a hot streak.
• Set-piece chaos: The equalizer came from pressure and traffic. Expect more of that in a tight group.
• Discipline and duels: The 75′ foul was a small marker — the margins will be even smaller next time.

Coaches now face a simple task that is hard to execute: keep confidence high, keep legs fresh, and keep focus for 90 minutes. With the group balanced, one lapse could be the difference between top spot and a tricky knockout path.

Final word

This was a big-game draw that felt like a teaser for something even bigger. Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon gave us a star turn from Amad Diallo, a wild equalizer, and a table that refuses to split. The champions were tested. The Indomitable Lions stood tall. Now Group F goes to a nervy finish — and that is exactly how AFCON should feel.

“Group F is a coin flip now — every minute on Matchday 3 will count.”