Cameroon head coach David Pagou has struck a confident yet measured tone as the Indomitable Lions prepare to face Ivory Coast in a decisive Group F clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The fixture, scheduled for Sunday, December 28, brings together two heavyweights of African football with identical ambitions and similar starts to the tournament.
Both Cameroon and Ivory Coast opened their AFCON campaigns with hard-fought victories. The Lions overcame Gabon, while the Elephants edged past Mozambique, each side showing resilience rather than fluency.
With three points already secured, this second group match carries added importance in shaping the balance of power within Group F.
Speaking on Canal+, Pagou made it clear that motivation will not concern him ahead of the encounter with the reigning African champions.
He stressed that the stature of the opponent alone provides enough fuel for his players.
“Facing Ivory Coast gives extra motivation,” Pagou said. “I will not even need to motivate the players. They will motivate themselves.
I want them to play the right game and not show too much respect to the opponent. We will approach this match with humility, but above all with determination.”
Pagou’s message reflects a careful balance between respect and ambition. He expects his side to remain disciplined while asserting their own identity on the pitch.
The Cameroonian coach believes that emotional control and competitive hunger will define the outcome more than reputation or history.
The meeting between Cameroon and Ivory Coast carries a special significance that goes beyond the current tournament.
The two nations share a long and rich rivalry, marked by frequent clashes at major competitions. Pagou acknowledged that history but insisted that his team must remain focused on the present.
“It’s an old story,” he said with a smile. “History tells us that Cameroon stands one step ahead of Ivory Coast, and we will try to respect that.
But we also talk about family ties. We will need to show our in-laws that the husband stands there and leads the family.”
His words underline both confidence and camaraderie, a tone that reflects the cultural closeness of the two nations while reinforcing Cameroon’s competitive intent.
Pagou wants his players to draw strength from the past without becoming prisoners of it.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation continues to build among supporters. This Group F encounter promises intensity, emotion, and tactical battles across the pitch.
For Cameroon, the objective remains clear: confirm their strong start, assert authority against the champions, and take a decisive step toward the knockout stages.
#CANALPLUSCAN 🌍 : Le coach David Pagou se projette déjà sur le choc contre la Côte d’Ivoire dimanche 💥
“C’est une motivation supplémentaire de jouer contre le champion en titre” 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/eJV9I5CgaJ
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) December 24, 2025
