Across Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history, no team has developed a reputation quite like Cameroon for ending host nations’ dreams on their own soil.
Despite being a powerhouse historically in the competition, Cameroon came into the AFCON 2025 with plenty of drama including last-minute coaching changes and dropping Vincent Aboubakar and Andre Onana.
Nonetheless, against all the odds, they remain unbeaten at this AFCON and held their own against reigning champions Ivory Coast while knocking out 2023 semi-finalists South Africa in the round of 16.
As they prepare for another tense encounter against a home favourite, history shows this is familiar territory for the five-time champions, who have knocked out AFCON hosts on seven different occasions.
1984 - Ivory Coast (Group stage)
Cameroon made headlines early in the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast by knocking out the hosts in the final game of the group stages.
In Abidjan, Roger Milla and Bonaventure Djonkep were both on the score sheet in a convincing 2–0 victory over the Elephants, ending Ivory Coast’s ambitions on home soil.
That result helped set Cameroon on a path to their first AFCON title, eventually beating Nigeria 3–1 in the final.
1988 - Morocco (Semi-final)
Four years later, Cameroon delivered one of the most painful host eliminations in AFCON history.
Playing Morocco in the semi-final at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Cameroon silenced the home crowd with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a late strike from Cyril Makanaky in the 78th minute.
That goal sent the Lions into the final, where they went on to lift the trophy, further cementing their reputation as ruthless visitors.
1992 – Senegal (Quarter-final)
At AFCON 1992 in Senegal, Cameroon once again proved comfortable in hostile surroundings. Meeting the hosts in the quarter-finals, the Indomitable Lions edged Senegal 1-0 in a tight encounter, with Ernest-Lottin Ebongue scoring the decisive goal.
The win knocked the hosts out of their own tournament and underlined Cameroon’s ability to manage pressure in knockout football away from home.
2000 – Nigeria (Final)
The 2000 Africa Cup of Nations final offered one of the tournament’s most dramatic host eliminations.
Facing Nigeria in Lagos in a co-hosted competition with Ghana, Cameroon raced into a first-half lead courtesy goals from Samuel Eto’o and Patrick Mboma.
However, Nigeria equalised early in the second half, sending the game to penalties, where Cameroon prevailed 4–3, crushing the hosts’ hopes and securing another continental crown.
2002 – Mali (Semi-final)
Cameroon were at their most dominant against hosts Mali at AFCON 2002. In the semi-final in Bamako, the Lions swept aside the hosts with a commanding 3-0 victory, powered by goals from Salomon Olembe-Olembe and the late Marc-Vivien Foé.
That emphatic performance ended Mali’s fairytale run and paved the way for Cameroon to later win the tournament on penalties against Senegal in the final.
2008 – Ghana (Semi-final)
The pattern repeated itself in Accra at AFCON 2008. Cameroon met hosts Ghana in the semi-final and once again broke home hearts, winning 1-0 thanks to a late goal from midfielder Alain Nkong.
The result stunned the crowd at the Ohene Djan Stadium and sent Cameroon into the final, reinforcing their status as serial spoilers of host ambitions. Though this time, the Indomitable Lions lost against an in-form Egypt.
2017 – Gabon (Group stage)
Cameroon’s most recent host elimination came at AFCON 2017 in Gabon. Drawn in the same group as the hosts, the Indomitable Lions held Gabon to a goalless draw, a result that ultimately condemned the hosts to an early exit at the group stage.
Cameroon went on to enjoy a remarkable tournament, defeating Egypt 2-1 in the final to lift their fifth AFCON title.
As Cameroon step onto Moroccan soil for another quarter-final showdown, history suggests the occasion will not overwhelm them. Time and again, the Indomitable Lions have shown an ability to silence stadiums, withstand pressure and end host nations’ dreams.
