AFCON: Cameroon coach wary of Morocco ahead of last eight test

Cameroon head coach David Pagou has warned they are anticipating a difficult test against Morocco when they face off in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Friday.

It is their first AFCON meeting this century and their first clash at the finals for 39 years, 11 months and 29 days.

Their first AFCON meeting in 1986 ended 1-1 in the Group Stages, with Abdelkrim Krimau putting Morocco ahead in the 63rd minute before Roger Milla equalised in the 89th minute. Both teams progressed from Group B.

Morocco is natural favourite

“We are proud to be here. We are focused. Morocco is at the top; they are a formidable team. The challenge will not be easy, but we are ready to take it on. My players are young and want to make their mark on football history. Let’s be patient with them.”

Asked whether Cameroon were ready for the task, he said: “In a competition like this, the treatment table is always busy. But there are injuries that players can manage. We also try to support them psychologically.

“The past doesn’t guarantee the future,” Pagou told reporters as quoted by Sports le 360. “Especially in football. You can be very successful yesterday and a flop today. The matches between the two nations are a thing of the past.

“Morocco, this friendly and brotherly country, is the natural favourite. A World Cup semi-finalist. It will be a very difficult match against a very good team. We will try to challenge them.

“What characterises Cameroonians is their courage. Even when there’s a mountain to overcome. It’s the mental strength that makes the difference.”

“We are not always satisfied. We always strive for perfection. But there are many areas to work on, both offensively and defensively. We have experienced players who have done what was necessary to reassure us.”