Diallo finds the net once more in Ivory Coasts level match against Cameroon for title holders

Manchester United forward Amad Diallo netted for the Africa Cup of Nations title defenders Ivory Coast during a 1-1 stalemate versus Cameroon on Sunday, positioning both sides joint leaders in Group F.

Diallo converted in the 51st minute during an exciting encounter in Marrakesh, marking his second tournament goal following his decisive strike versus Mozambique just four days prior.

However, the advantage endured merely five minutes until Ivory Coasts Ghislain Konan inadvertently redirected a effort from Junior Tchamadeu, allowing the five time winners Cameroon to equalise.

Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon sit on four points apiece, ahead of Mozambique by one, after the latter overcame Gabon 3-2 in an earlier Agadir fixture.

The leading two teams from every group advance to the last 16, alongside the top four third placed outfits across the six sections entering the knockout rounds.

The historic clash between the Ivory Coast Elephants and Cameroons Indomitable Lions ranks among the most intense in AFCON history, originating from 1970 in Sudan.

Cameroon previously dominated with a 5-1 edge in triumphs before this Marrakesh clash. Additionally, two encounters extended to penalty decisions, both claimed by Ivory Coast.

Present among the 35165 spectators were three La Liga talents and France representatives, including Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, plus Jules Kounde from Barcelona.

Confederation of African Football chief, Patrice Motsepe from South Africa, attended the venue after observing Mozambiques victory over Gabon.

The initial opportunity in the first period arrived for Diallo, whose effort sailed wide following a return pass.

Cameroon threatened midway through the half as Christian Kofane clipped the bar with an attempt after a delivery from Tchamadeu.

Diallo posed a persistent danger on the right flank. Off one of his deliveries, the unmarked Vakoun Bayo nodded over the target.

Approaching the interval, Diallo surged into the area but encountered an excellent sliding challenge from Cameroon skipper Nouhou Tolo.

An energetic beginning to the latter half featured Ivory Coast leader Franck Kessie finding the goal, though flagged offside. Then Cameroons Danny Namaso hit the frame with a diverted strike.

Diallo subsequently opened the scoring. Konan launched a high trajectory ball towards the forward, who slotted past keeper Devis Epassy using his left boot from near distance.

Yet the advantage proved brief. An attempt by Tchamadeu from just outside the box looped off Konan, sailing above custodian Yahia Fofana and across the line.