The Indomitable lions head coach Marc Brys has sent a bold message, declaring that the lions will not be intimidated by any opponent, including defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
He made the Statement in an interview after the AFCON 2025 Draw in Morocco where Cameroon was drawn into Group F alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Mozambique. “We must be careful, stay true to our playing philosophy, add passion and the enthusiasm common to the Cameroonian people. We will be ready,” Brys said at the draw event in Rabat on Monday night of January 27, 2025. “We are not afraid of any team,” The upcoming group-stage encounter between Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire rekindles a fierce rivalry that saw the Indomitable Lions secure a narrow 1-0 victory in their last meeting during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.
Brys, who stood alongside former Ivorian captain Serge Aurier during the draw, acknowledged the historical weight of the matchup but remained confident. “I am aware of the historical rivalry between the two countries. The only thing is to stay focused and be ourselves. Of course, they won the last AFCON, but we will be ready for the match,” the Belgian tactician emphasized. The 2025 AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will feature 24 teams competing in six Moroccan cities. With six groups, the tournament format will see the top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stages.
