AFCON 2025: Cameroon Beat Mozambique, Ivory Coast Stage Comeback, Last 16 Fixtures Confirmed

Published on by

AFCON 2025: Cameroon Beat Mozambique, Ivory Coast Stage Comeback, Last 16 Fixtures Confirmed

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025) delivered a thrilling conclusion to Group F on Wednesday night. Cameroon fought back to defeat Mozambique 2–1 in Agadir, while defending champions Ivory Coast staged a dramatic comeback to beat Gabon 3–2 in Marrakesh. The results confirmed the last‑16 fixtures: Cameroon vs South Africa, Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso, and Mozambique vs Nigeria.

Cameroon vs Mozambique: Indomitable Lions Rally to Victory

Cameroon secured second place in Group F after a 2–1 win over Mozambique at the Adrar Stadium. Mozambique struck first through Geny Catamo, who curled a superb left‑footed shot into the bottom corner in the 23rd minute. The Mambas had already suffered an early injury blow when Digo Calila was replaced by Bruno Langa, but they looked sharp and disciplined.

Cameroon equalized just five minutes later when defender Nené turned the ball into his own net after a sustained attack and rebound off the post. The Indomitable Lions then introduced Christian Bassogog to add attacking impetus, and the breakthrough came in the 55th minute. Christian Kofane unleashed a stunning long‑range strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar — a goal‑of‑the‑tournament contender.

Despite late pressure from Mozambique, including missed chances by Infren Matola and João Bonde, Cameroon held firm. The victory means Cameroon advance as runners‑up and will face South Africa in the Round of 16, setting up a reunion with their former AFCON‑winning coach Hugo Broos. Mozambique, despite defeat, made history by qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time, where they will meet Nigeria.

Ivory Coast vs Gabon: Champions Show Resilience

In Marrakesh, Ivory Coast demonstrated their championship pedigree by overturning a two‑goal deficit to beat Gabon 3–2. The Panthers stunned the Elephants with early goals from Guelor Kanga and Denis Bouanga, capitalizing on defensive lapses and a spill from goalkeeper Alban Lafont.

Ivory Coast pulled one back before halftime when Wilfried Zaha squared for Jean‑Philippe Krasso, who finished from close range. The second half saw Gabon defend resolutely, but Emerse Fae’s substitutions proved decisive. Evann Guessand equalized with a header six minutes from time, and in stoppage time Bazoumana Toure completed the turnaround with another header from Christopher Operi’s cross.

The 3–2 victory ensured Ivory Coast topped Group F with five points, while Gabon exited the tournament without a win.

AFCON 2025 Group F Standings

  • Ivory Coast – 5 points (Group winners)
  • Cameroon – 4 points (Runners‑up)
  • Mozambique – 3 points (Third place, best third‑placed qualifier)
  • Gabon – 0 points (Eliminated)

AFCON 2025 Last 16 Fixtures

  • Cameroon vs South Africa – Sunday, January 4
  • Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso – Saturday, January 3
  • Mozambique vs Nigeria – Monday, January 5
<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

You May Also Like