AFCON 2025: Cameroon vs Gabon preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Cameroon arrive at AFCON 2025 with expectation never far away, but this time it is accompanied by considerable uncertainty. 

The Indomitable Lions are one of the continent’s most decorated nations, boasting five AFCON triumphs – a tally bettered only by Egypt – yet recent editions have failed to live up to that historic pedigree.

Preparation has been overshadowed by off-field turmoil, with a very public power struggle between head coach Marc Brys and federation president Samuel Eto’o creating a deeply unsettling backdrop.

Confusion peaked earlier this month when contradictory squad lists were submitted to CAF, highlighting just how fractured the situation had become.

In the wake of that unrest, David Pagou steps into the dugout tasked with steadying the ship. 

His immediate challenge will be blocking out the political noise and reigniting belief within a squad that has progressed beyond the round of 16 just once in their last three AFCON appearances.

Gabon, meanwhile, approach the tournament determined to shed their reputation as nearly men. 

Making their ninth AFCON appearance, the Panthers are still chasing a first-ever semi-final berth and will once again embrace life as outsiders in a group that includes hosts Ivory Coast.

While history shows inconsistency – Gabon have exited at the group stage in five of their eight previous participations – recent form offers encouragement. 

Before their narrow World Cup play-off defeat to Nigeria, they went five matches unbeaten (W4, D1) and appear particularly adept at starting tournaments positively.

Remarkably, Gabon have not lost an AFCON opening match since 2000, a streak that stretches back more than two decades and gives them genuine belief they can frustrate a Cameroon side still searching for stability.

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The most recent AFCON meeting between these sides came in 2017, ending in a goalless draw. Historically, though, 

Cameroon have held the upper hand, winning 12 of the 25 previous encounters. Gabon, by contrast, have managed just three victories in that period.

Cameroon’s squad selection has been heavily scrutinised following the coaching dispute, with several marquee names omitted. 

Andre Onana, Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui are all absent, leaving a reshaped side to shoulder responsibility.

Meanwhile, Gabon are without their most recognisable star, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misses out through injury. 

Cameroon: Epassy; Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo; Onana, Baleba; Mbeumo, Dina Ebimbe, Nkoudou; Magri

Gabon: Mbaba; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Appindangoye, Ekomie; Ndong, Lemina; Bouanga, Kanga, Allevinah; Openda

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Cameroon’s pedigree and head-to-head record command respect, but the internal upheaval and notable absentees could leave them vulnerable against a well-organised Gabon side that traditionally starts AFCON campaigns strongly.

Correct score prediction: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon

Betting tips:

Draw or Cameroon double chance

Under 2.5 goals

Both teams to score – No