Few AFCON fixtures carry as much underlying tension as Cameroon versus Gabon. This is not just a meeting of neighbours, but a collision between two nations whose recent histories are defined as much by instability as by potential.

Cameroon arrive in Morocco wounded and unsettled. Once again, off-field turmoil has overshadowed preparation, with governance disputes and a late managerial change destabilising what should be one of Africa’s most intimidating footballing institutions. Yet history suggests the Indomitable Lions are often at their most dangerous when written off. AFCON 2017 remains the defining example: chaos behind the scenes, clarity on the pitch.

This tournament represents a crossroads. Missing out on World Cup qualification has bruised national pride, and Group F offers little margin for error with Ivory Coast also present. Cameroon must rediscover identity quickly, blending physical authority with a new generation of technical midfielders. Anything less than progression would be viewed as a failure, regardless of circumstances.

Gabon, meanwhile, return to the continental stage with something approaching quiet optimism. Absent from the last AFCON, they bring back a core that knows this may be its final opportunity to leave a lasting mark. Their golden generation never fully delivered on its promise, but this squad retains enough experience and attacking threat to challenge anyone on their day.

Qualification was disciplined and impressive, built on defensive solidity rather than spectacle. Gabon’s task now is to convert organisation into points. A positive result here would immediately open the group and put real pressure on Cameroon, making this one of the most consequential fixtures of the opening round.