It is a clash of the heavyweights at the African Nation Championship as host nation Cameroon take on tournament favorite Congo DR in the first game of the quarter-finals.

Cameroon will be aiming to book their first-ever semi-finals ticket, while the Leopards come searching for a third title success at the competition.

Match preview

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Despite a dire display in the group stages, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon qualified from Group A with five points, after one win and two disappointing draws against Mali and Burkina Faso.

In their final group game, Martin Ndtoungou Mpile's side played out a goalless draw with Burkina Faso, but it was enough to progress to the knockout stages, as they edged out their opponents, who finished with four points.

Congo DR, on the other hand, finished first in Group B with seven points, after impressive victories against Congo-Brazzaville and Niger, and a draw with 2014 winners Libya.

Kadima Kabangu's opener was cancelled out by Niger's Adamou Issa Mossi in the 73rd minute, but Masasi Obenza's late goal handed Florent Ibenge's men a well-deserved 2-1 victory against a resilient Niger side last time out.

This set up a first-ever knockout stage meeting with Cameroon at the tournament, although it will be the third meeting of both nations, after group-stage clashes in 2011 and 2016.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon emerged victorious on both occasions, with a 2-0 win at the Al Merreikh Stadium in Sudan in 2011, and a 3-1 victory in 2016 at the Stade Huye in Rwanda.

In the last five editions of the African Nations Championship, DR Congo have lifted the title on two occasions, in 2009 and 2016, and they are now in search of their third title.

Ibenge and Ndtoungou Mpile will go head-to-head for the second time in their coaching careers at the newly-constructed Japoma Stadium on Saturday evening.

Cameroon have a clear upper hand in this fixture, as they are on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run against the Leopards across all competitions.

The Leopards were without head coach Ibenge last time out due to the recent coronavirus crisis that hit their camp, but they have remained impressive and are the favourites coming into this clash.

Congo DR African Nations Championship form: WDW
Congo DR form (all competitions): DWDWDW

Cameroon African Nations Championship form: WDD
Cameroon form (all competitions): DLLWDD

Team News

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Cameroon will be without the services of full-back Serge Andoulo after he ruptured his lateral ligament against Burkina Faso on Sunday.

Steve Roberto Keuni is expected to come in for the Union Sportive of Douala defender, who has been ruled out for the rest of the competition.

Stade Renard midfielder Fabrice Ondoa will also sit out this tie as he is suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso.

Mpile made three changes to Cameroon's starting XI last time out, bringing in midfielder Onana Fabrice, Etame Ngombe and striker Ngon A Tiati, and the 62-year-old head coach will likely stick to the same lineup.

Congo DR have been handed a major injury boost as goalkeeper Ley Matampi, Serge Mukumi and Doxa Gikanji have all returned after testing negative for coronavirus.

However, the Leopards will still be without head coach Florent Ibenge, who remains in isolation after contracting COVID-19.

Congo DR possible starting lineup:
Matampi; Sita, Baka, Fasika, Shabani; Mika, Obenza, Gikaji, Lilepo; Mayele, Tulengi

Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Kerrido; Hassana, Banga, Etame, Keuni; Oukine, Tchuente, Onana; Ako, Man-Ykre, Tiati

We say: Congo DR 2-1 Cameroon

The Indomitable Lions have struggled to perform, winning just once and scoring two goals so far, whereas their opponents have been in superb form, finishing at the top of Group B.

Despite the home crowd's support, the Leopards of Congo should come out on top at the end of 90 minutes, as they have looked sharper and are the more dangerous side.

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