Preview: Mexico vs. Cameroon - prediction, team news, lineups

Diego Cocca's men are in action in next week's CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals and will be looking to wrap up their preparations on a high note.

Match preview

Following an early exit from the 2022 World Cup, Mexico avoided further disappointment as they secured their place in the knockout stages of the CONCACAF Nations League back in March.

The Tricolor picked up four points from their three World Cup games to finish third in Group C, behind second-placed Poland on goal difference to miss out on qualification

However, a run of two wins and two draws from their four Nations League matches have seen Cocca's reach the semi-finals of the continental showpiece, where they face the USA for a spot in the final next weekend.

Mexico picked up a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Guatemala in the second of their three consecutive friendlies on Thursday morning, with goals coming from Raul Jimenez and Roberto de la Rosa.

This followed a 1-1 draw against the United States on April 20, Jesus Ferreira scoring to cancel out Uriel Antuna's 55th-minute opener at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Mexico are currently unbeaten in six straight matches, claiming four wins and two draws since their World Cup defeat against Argentina and will also look to maintain this fine run ahead of the start of their Gold Cup campaign later this month.

Cameroon, on the other hand, head into Sunday's contest looking to gather momentum before returning to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier later in September.

They picked up a 1-0 win over Burundi last June's qualifying opener, but after a beginning that flattered to deceive, it has been downhill for Rigobert Song's men in their race for a 21st AFCON appearance.

Cameroon have picked up just one point from their last two matches in Group C, playing out a 1-1 draw with Namibia on March 24, four days before a 2-1 loss to the Brave Warriors in the second of their group double-header.

The Indomitable Lions have now gone three consecutive games without a win, losing twice and picking up one draw since beating Congo 1-0 in their Africa Nations Championship clash at the Stade Miloud Hadefi.

While Cameroon begin ramping up their preparations for their clash against Burundi on September 4, they have failed to win their last five friendly matches, losing twice and claiming three draws since June 2021.

Mexico friendly form:

Mexico form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

D

W

Cameroon friendly form:

Cameroon form (all competitions):

D

W

W

L

D

L

Team News

With a crucial game against the USA on the horizon, Cocca could save a few of his key players, with the likes of Jimenez, Carlos Rodriguez and experienced defender Nestor Araujo dropping to the bench.

With his strike against Guatemala, Jimenez moved up to seventh place in the nation's all-time scoring chart, sitting level with Luis Roberto Alves, who made 84 senior caps.

De La Rosa turned in an eye-catching performance last time out and the 27-year-old, who made his international debut back in April, could be rewarded with a starting role.

Song has called up 22 players for Saturday's game, including the attacking trio of Karl Toko Ekambi, Moumi Ngamaleu, who has 46 senior caps to his name, and Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo.

With 82 appearances, Nicolas Nkoulou is the most capped player for the Indomitable Lions and we expect Aris Limassol defender to marshal the defence this weekend.

Mexico possible starting lineup:

A Rodriguez; Alvarez, Reyes, Seplveda, Guzman, Alvarado; Chavez, J Herrera, Sanchez, Cervantes, Antuna; De La Rosa

Cameroon possible starting lineup:

Epassy; Tolo, Nkoulou, Mbaizo, Fai; Onana, Kunde, Hongla, Ntcham; Ekambi, Mbuemo

We say: Mexico 2-1 Cameroon

Following Thursday's solid performance against Guatemala, Mexico will head into the weekend with sky-high confidence as they prepare for their Nations League showdown against the USA. While we expect Cameroon to put up a fight, the gulf in class and quality between the sides should see the hosts come out on top.

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