AFCON 2025: Gabon vs. Ivory Coast preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

The Panthers are already eliminated and playing for pride, while the defending champions know that a composed performance should be enough to remove any doubt over the top spot.

Gabon’s AFCON campaign has unravelled at pace, with narrow defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique confirming their exit before this final group match. 

That slump has extended their losing run at the finals to three matches, a sharp contrast to the five-game unbeaten streak they carried into the tournament.

With qualification no longer achievable, Thierry Mouyouma’s side will focus on restoring some credibility and ending a difficult group stage on a positive note. 

Ivory Coast, by contrast, have gone about their business with minimal fuss. A narrow win over Mozambique followed by a controlled 1-1 draw with Cameroon has left Emerse Fae’s men in pole position, though victory here would remove any reliance on other results.

The Elephants’ title defence has been built on control rather than flair, with five of their last six AFCON victories all coming by a single-goal margin. 

That tournament know-how has become a hallmark of Fae’s reign, with Ivory Coast losing just once in competitive action since his appointment, and another disciplined display should be enough to see them safely through.

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Ivory Coast have dominated this fixture historically, losing just once in the last nine meetings (W5, D3). 

The most recent encounter ended goalless during World Cup qualifying earlier this year, but Gabon have beaten the Elephants only three times in 25 previous clashes.

Gabon may freshen things up with qualification already out of reach, as captain Bruno Ecuele Manga could be rested following a demanding group stage. Otherwise, there are no major injury concerns reported for the Panthers.

Ivory Coast are expected to stick largely with their settled core, with no new fitness issues emerging from the draw with Cameroon.

Gabon: Mbaba; Onfia, Moucketou-Moussounda, Lemina, Ekomie; Kanga, Ndong; Babicka, Poko, Bouanga; Aubameyang

Ivory Coast: Fofana; Doue, Koussounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, Fofana; Diallo, Bayo, Zaha

Ivory Coast’s experience and game management should prove decisive against a Gabon side playing without pressure but lacking a cutting edge. 

The Elephants may not overwhelm their opponents, yet their ability to edge tight contests gives them a clear advantage.

Correct score prediction: Gabon 0-1 Ivory Coast

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Betting tips

Ivory Coast to win

Under 2.5 goals

Ivory Coast clean sheet