CAN 2025 / Côte d’Ivoire – Cameroon: the man with the whistle revealed

CAN 2025 – Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon: an Algerian referee to officiate

CAN 2025 / Côte d’Ivoire – Cameroon: the man with the whistle revealed

On paper, this is much more than just a group stage match. On Sunday night, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon go head-to-head in what looks like a direct ticket to the round of 16. Both nations, victorious in their opening game, approach this clash with knockout-level intensity. In the pre-match press conference, Emerse Faé made no attempt to hide the stakes:

"We know that if we win tomorrow, we’ll qualify. It’s a crucial match for us, for the Ivorian people. We have to win for the Ivorian people."

A clash steeped in history and symbolism

Between neighbors, between "brothers" as the coach reminded everyone:

"Cameroon is our brother, our in-law, it means a lot. Every time these two teams meet in the group stage, the winner takes the trophy. That’s an extra motivation."

A statement full of meaning, almost prophetic, given how often this duel has tipped the balance in major African tournaments.

In this Group F, where every detail matters, the Elephants know they’ll face a Cameroonian side that’s out for revenge, athletic, and unpredictable. Faé remains clear-eyed:

"Matches against Cameroon have never been easy... it will be a fiercely contested and complicated encounter."

Algerian referee Ghorbal Mustapha will be in charge, with Dahane Beida on VAR duty: a summit between African giants where tempo, physicality, and composure could already decide the fate of a CAN 2025 favorite.