AFCON 2025 Group F Preview: Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique

Group F is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing draws of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Group F pits legendary teams like Ivory Coast (defending champions) and Cameroon (five-time winners) against dangerous teams like Gabon and Mozambique, creating a perfect mix of historical prestige and potential upsets.

Ivory Coast

Coming off their stunning 2023 victory, the Ivory Coast enters the tournament as the undisputed titans of African football. Coach Emerse Faé has successfully overhauled the squad, turning a once-unpredictable host nation into a highly disciplined and efficient powerhouse.

Although they are expected to dominate their group, Faé has proven he isn’t afraid to make tough calls—prioritizing current performance and rising talent over established veterans. For these defending champions, the expectations are immense; a finish anywhere short of the semi-finals would be viewed as a significant disappointment.

Fixtures

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique — December 24 (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech)

Ivory Coast vs Cameroon — December 28 (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech)

Gabon vs Ivory Coast — December 31 (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech)

Cameroon

While the “Indomitable Lions” remain a powerhouse of African football, they arrive at this tournament in a state of flux. Despite their storied history, the team has struggled with inconsistent performances and the recurring distraction of locker-room friction. Yet, Cameroon is famous for peaking when the stakes are highest; if they maintain their discipline, their signature blend of physicality and relentless energy makes them a formidable opponent for any side.

Fixtures

Cameroon vs Gabon — December 24 (Grand Stade d’Agadir, Agadir)

Ivory Coast vs Cameroon — December 28 (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech)

Mozambique vs Cameroon — December 31 (Grand Stade d’Agadir, Agadir)

Gabon

Re-entering the spotlight, Gabon is widely viewed as a “spoiler” team. Though their squad may not be as deep as their heavyweight rivals, they rely on elite individual talents who can decide a game with a single flash of skill.

Gabon’s disciplined, defensive structure combined with a lethal counter-attack makes them a particularly dangerous matchup for possession-heavy favorites like Ivory Coast or Cameroon.

Fixtures

Cameroon vs Gabon — December 24 (Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir)

Gabon vs Mozambique — December 28 (Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir)

Gabon vs Ivory Coast — December 31 (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech)

Mozambique

No longer satisfied with being mere participants, Mozambique’s national team enters the tournament with a chip on their shoulder. Despite lacking high-profile individual stars compared to their rivals, the “Mambas” rely on disciplined teamwork and a gutsy playing style. Their strategy likely hinges on a pivotal clash against Gabon, which they view as their best shot at reaching the knockout stages for the first time.

Fixtures

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique — December 24 (Stade de Marrakech, Marrakesh)

Gabon vs Mozambique — December 28 (Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir)

Mozambique vs Cameroon — December 31 (Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir)

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Key Players to Watch

Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast): Kessié serves as the team’s central engine. His command over the pitch and knack for dictating the play will be essential if Ivory Coast hopes to defend their title.

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon): With veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar missing from recent lineups, Mbeumo has emerged as the team’s leading attacking force. His elite speed and composure in front of the goal make him a world-class threat from the flanks.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): The veteran striker continues to lead the line for Gabon. His clinical finishing and seasoned presence in the penalty area remain a cut above the rest of the squad

Stanley Ratifo (Mozambique): A tireless attacker, he topped the scoring charts for the Mambas throughout the qualifying rounds. His physicality serves as the cornerstone of Mozambique’s direct tactical approach.

Predicted Group F Standings