Africa Cup of Nations Showdown: Mozambique Faces Cameroon in a Crucial Group Stage Match - Tactical Analysis and Key Factors to Consider

On January 1st, 2026, at 03:00, Mozambique will host Cameroon in a pivotal Group F match of the Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams are vying for a place in the next round. Mozambique, ranked 102nd in the world, has a record of one win and one loss, accumulating 3 points. Their previous match saw them upset Gabon with a 3-2 victory, marking their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations win. They employ a 5-4-1 formation, focusing on a dense defensive setup, relying on counter-attacks and set pieces to create opportunities. However, their offensive output has been limited, averaging 0.8 goals per game in their last five matches. Cameroon, ranked 44th globally and a five-time Africa Cup of Nations champion, has earned 4 points with a record of one win and one draw. They favour a possession-based style, emphasizing passing and penetrating play, often leveraging individual brilliance from their star players. Their recent defensive performances have been strong, conceding an average of 0.4 goals in their last ten games, although their consistency has slightly declined. Historically, Cameroon has a significant psychological advantage, having won all seven previous encounters against Mozambique. Prediction: Cameroon -0.75