AFCON 2025 Match Preview: Gabon vs Ivory Coast
Gabon have only pride on the line this Wednesday as they wrap up their tournament against reigning champions Ivory Coast.
While Gabon is already out, the stakes remain high for the Elephants; Emerse Faé’s side is fighting for top position in a grueling Group F and aims to protect their undefeated record under his leadership.
Gabon
Despite being pre-tournament favorites to dominate Group F, Gabon’s campaign has ended in an early exit following back-to-back losses.
While their opening defeat to a disjointed Cameroon side was somewhat unexpected, it was Sunday’s loss to Mozambique that truly stunned observers. Mozambique entered the match on a dismal 16-game winless streak at AFCON, but they managed to break that slump in a high-scoring, five-goal encounter.
Thierry Mouyouma’s squad struggled after falling behind 2–0 and 3–1; ultimately, they were unable to claw back the draw necessary to remain in contention for the final group stage fixtures.
Ivory Coast
Seeking to capitalize on their opponent’s elimination, Emerse Faé’s side enters Wednesday’s fixture on a six-match unbeaten streak in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that began during the previous edition.
The team’s trajectory has shifted significantly since Faé took the reins. Initially, he stepped in mid-tournament during the 2023 edition, inheriting a squad that had barely scraped into the knockout stages as a high-ranking third-place finisher. Fast forward nearly two years, and the former midfielder has transformed the Elephants into a formidable force.
They entered the current tournament not just as defending champions, but on the back of a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign where they went undefeated without conceding a single goal.
While a recent 1-1 draw against Cameroon ended their clean-sheet streak, the three-time continental champions maintain an impressive broader record: they haven’t lost a competitive match in over a year. Their last defeat dates back to November 2024, when they fell to Zambia during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Head-to-Head
Gabon have struggled to overcome the Ivory Coast’s historical dominance. The “Elephants” have been nearly unstoppable in recent years, maintaining a commanding record with just one loss in their previous nine head-to-head fixtures.
Form Guide
Gabon form: D-W-W-L-L-L
Ivory Coast form: W-W-L-W-W-D
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Team News
Following a disastrous first half that ended in a penalty, captain Bruno Ecuele Manga’s spot in the starting lineup is in jeopardy. He is likely to be replaced at center-back by Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, who would slot in alongside Mario Lemina for the final group fixture.
Meanwhile, Denis Bouanga—who was arguably more influential than Aubameyang during World Cup qualification—has struggled to produce a goal or an assist so far in Morocco. He will be looking to break that dry spell before Gabon’s tournament run concludes.
Both Ivory Coast and Gabon appear to have fully fit squads, providing managers Emerse Faé and Thierry Mouyouma with a complete roster of players for Wednesday’s match.
Given the depth of his attacking lineup, Faé has several choices for his front three; while Amad is expected to feature, the remaining two spots could be filled by any combination of Wilfried Zaha, Oumar Diakité (assuming “Yan Diomande”), Evann Guessand, or Vakoun Bayo.
Key Players
Up front, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was unable to rescue a draw against Mozambique despite finding the net. As he prepares for what may be his final AFCON match, the veteran striker is determined to leave his mark with a strong performance in the final third.
Amad Diallo has been the sole scorer for the Elephants so far in AFCON 2025. The Manchester United winger, currently in peak form, is now looking to extend his scoring streak to three tournament matches and four consecutive games for both club and country.
Predicted Lineup
Gabon Starting XI: Mbaba; Onfia, Moucketou-Moussounda, Lemina, Ekomie; Kanga, N’Dong; Babicka, Poko, Bouanga; Aubameyang
Ivory Coast Starting XI: Y. Fofana; Doue, Koussounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Bayo, Zaha
Verdict: Gabon is eager to finish their stint in Morocco on a high note, but overcoming Ivory Coast’s defense will be a tall order. Given that the “Elephants” have only surrendered four shots on target across two matches, they are the favorites to grind out a close victory and potentially claim the top spot in Group F.
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