Ivory Coast and Cameroon played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Marrakesh on Sunday, a result that keeps both sides firmly on track for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16.
The reigning champions broke the deadlock seven minutes after the restart through Amad. Picking up the ball on the right wing, he drove inside onto his left foot and unleashed a fierce curling strike that beat Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy. It was the winger’s second goal of the tournament, having already scored the winner against Mozambique in Ivory Coast’s opening match.
Cameroon responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Junior Tchamadeu’s effort from inside the box took a deflection off Ghislain Konan and looped over goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, cancelling out Ivory Coast’s lead.
The Indomitable Lions had shown promise earlier in the half, with Christian Kofane hitting the crossbar after being picked out by Tchamadeu. Ivory Coast also had their moments before the break, as Amad created chances for Vakoun Bayo, who headed over from close range, and continued to trouble the Cameroon defence.
Soon after half-time, Ivory Coast thought they had doubled their advantage when Franck Kessie finished acrobatically from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
As the match opened up, Cameroon came close again when Danny Namaso struck the woodwork with a deflected shot. Ivory Coast briefly regained control through Amad’s influence, but they were unable to slow the tempo before conceding the equaliser.
In the closing stages, Cameroon pressed for a winner, while Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé introduced Wilfried Zaha to add attacking impetus. Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team managed to find a decisive goal.
Elsewhere in Group F, Mozambique defeated Gabon 3-2 in Agadir, a result that eliminated Gabon from the tournament after two matches. Ivory Coast and Cameroon now sit top of the group with four points each, while Mozambique are third on three points.
Ivory Coast will face Gabon in their final group match on December 31, as they aim to secure top spot, while Cameroon meet Mozambique in Agadir.
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