"Coaches and players from the Ivory Coast and Cameroon spoke about their preparations ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated AFCON Group C clash at a pre-match press conference in Marrakesh on Saturday. Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae said his aim is to 'top the group' and advance to the group stages as early as possible. “The objective is to secure victory and advance as early as the second matchday. We aim to top the group and remain in Marrakesh, where our camp is based,” he said. Meanwhile, Ivorian defender Guela Doue described the fixture as pivotal in the race for qualification. “It’s a crucial and decisive game in light of qualification,” he said, adding that the team would “aim to put in a great performance and achieve victory on Sunday”. Cameroon head coach David Baggio acknowledged the Ivory Coast as favourites but insisted his side were ready for the challenge. He said his players were “fully aware that the match will be intense and gripping, so they need to give their all”. One of the standout storylines is a potential head-to-head between club teammates Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, who both play for Manchester United. “You’re talking about a rivalry, but I see it more as a friendship, even though we’ll be wearing different jerseys tomorrow,” Mbeumo said. “There will definitely be expectations from both sides, whether from him or me. So I think we’ll both put in the utmost effort, and may the best team win.” Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon sit top of Group C on three points each, having beaten Gabon and Mozambique respectively in their opening matches. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is being hosted by Morocco, running from December 12 to January 18."