Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow continental giants Cameroon in an entertaining Group F encounter at the Marrakesh Stadium on Sunday.
The result leaves both sides level on four points at the top of the group after a second half that produced high drama and decisive moments.
Ivory Coast began brightly, with Amad Diallo threatening early in the seventh minute, whipping a powerful effort narrowly wide.
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Cameroon responded strongly and came close midway through the first half when Samuel Kotto’s low cross found Christian Kofane, whose strike was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
The Elephants created a similar opportunity shortly before the interval when Diallo’s cross located Vakoun Bayo, but the striker’s header sailed over the bar, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
The tempo intensified after the restart. Franck Kessie saw a goal disallowed for offside, while Cameroon’s Danny Namaso rattled the woodwork with a deflected strike moments later.
Ivory Coast broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Diallo, who surged forward on a counterattack before unleashing a superb effort from outside the box that left goalkeeper Devis Epassy rooted.
Cameroon hit back just five minutes later. Junior Tchamadeu’s angled strike took a deflection off Ghislain Konan, looping beyond Fofana to restore parity.
Bryan Mbeumo nearly snatched a winner for the Indomitable Lions in the 78th minute with a fierce free kick that flashed narrowly wide, but neither side could find another breakthrough.
Both teams now shift focus to their final group games on Wednesday, 31 December. Ivory Coast face Gabon in Marrakesh, while Cameroon meet Mozambique in Agadir, with qualification stakes still high.