Ivory Coast and Cameroon shared the points in a high-stakes 1–1 draw in their AFCON 2025 Group F showdown, a result shaped by a brilliant Amad Diallo finish and a costly deflection that turned the game on its head.
Cagey first half, early cautions
The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, with both sides taking a measured approach rather than trading risks. The half was punctuated by discipline issues, as Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba and Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo were both shown yellow cards.
VAR denies Kessié before Diallo delivers
Ivory Coast thought they had found the breakthrough soon after the restart when Franck Kessié appeared to score, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review, a moment that briefly stalled the champions’ momentum.
They did not have to wait long for a legitimate opener. In the 51st minute, Amad Diallo produced the game’s standout piece of quality—striking to put the Ivorians ahead and tilt the match decisively in their favour.
Cameroon’s immediate response: Konan own goal restores parity
Cameroon hit back quickly. A threatening effort was driven in and deflected off Ivory Coast defender Ghislain Konan, looping into the net for an own goal that levelled the contest five minutes after Diallo’s opener.
Late pressure, no winner — and Group F stays open
Both teams pushed for a decisive second goal, but neither could convert late pressure into a winner. The draw keeps the group finely balanced and maintains the sense that qualification will be settled on the final matchday.