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Archrivals Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire to clash in Group D Afcon encounter

Xinhua, January 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Giants Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire will face-off in a tight Group D clash at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Wednesday at the Malabo Stadium.

The match promises to be a thriller as both teams have two points each. Although the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were superior over their rivals in the qualifiers as they were pooled together, Cote d'Ivoire have promised to turn tables.

"We respect the Cameroon team, but we are hungry to register our first win in the Group stage and make it to the last eight," Yaya Toure, the Cote d'Ivoire skipper told Xinhua in an interview.

In the qualifiers for the Afcon Cameroon stopped Toure's team 4-1 before settling for a goalless draw in Abidjan.

Interestingly all the four teams in Group D have two points each and the same number of goals scored and conceded. All of the teams have the chance of making it to the knock out stage or face an early exit.

Cameroon who have won the trophy four times will look to skipper Stephane Mbia who made his first appearance in the draw against Mali after serving a suspension. The likes of Frank Etoundi, Clinton Nje, Benjamin Moukandjo and Eric Maxim Choup-Moting will also be expected to play key roles for the Indomitable Lions.

Besides the 2014 Africa Player of the Year Toure, Cote d'Ivoire will look to Salomon Kalou, Lacina Traore, Bony Wilfried and Max Gradel who scored in the 1-1 draw against Guinea. Yao Gervinho who was sent off in their opening match against Guinea will hope that Cote d'Ivoire can qualify for the next stage so that he has a role to play again. Endi