Cameroon head coach David Pagou has tipped Morocco as favourites ahead of their quarter-final showdown at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, even as he expressed strong belief in his side’s ability to rise to the occasion.
The Indomitable Lions booked their place in the last eight after eliminating South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the Round of 16 and now face a daunting test against the Atlas Lions in the next stage of the competition.
Speaking after the victory over South Africa, Pagou highlighted the confidence within the Cameroon camp, stressing that his players have shown they can compete with any opponent at the tournament.
“I don’t know how to describe it, but the result confirmed to us that we are capable of winning as much as we want. This team has a very strong squad, with technically skilled players who know each other very well, and to achieve victory against a team of this level, you must have a steely mentality and great mental composure. And that is exactly what we aspire to,” he said.
Despite the optimism surrounding his squad, the Cameroon coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Morocco, pointing to the hosts’ backing and overall status as favourites going into the tie.
“The Moroccan team is the natural candidate, as you have noticed, because the stadium is full of fans, in red with a green flag in the middle. But we will succeed based on our strength and capabilities,” he said.
The highly anticipated quarter-final encounter between Morocco and Cameroon is scheduled to take place on Friday, with both sides eyeing a place in the semi-finals.
