AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast eye Group F top spot and avoid Bafana Bafana

Ivory Coast will look to seal their place in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 when they face Gabon in their final Group F clash at Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday night. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00pm (CAT, GMT+2).

Current Form

The Elephants currently lead Group F after a 1-1 draw with Cameroon on matchday two. Both sides sit on four points, but victory over Gabon would guarantee Ivory Coast progression as group winners.

Gabon, meanwhile, have already bowed out of the competition following a 3-2 defeat to Mozambique at Stade Adrar. The Panthers sit bottom of the group with two losses from two matches.

As reigning champions, Ivory Coast remain among the favourites to lift a fourth AFCON crown, but they know topping the group is crucial to avoid a potential clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the knockout stage.

Coach’s View

Head coach Emerse Fae reflected on the stalemate with Cameroon, stressing the need for greater game management:

“It’s for matches like these that we love the CAN—a hard-fought contest. Both teams brought intensity, created chances, and no one shut the game down. My only regret: after our goal, we lacked guile. We should have slowed the tempo, forced Cameroon to open up, and then taken advantage. Instead, we conceded too soon.”

Players to Watch

• Gabon: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – At 36, the veteran striker remains a threat. He netted against Mozambique and continues to find dangerous positions inside the box.
• Ivory Coast: Amad Diallo – The Manchester United forward has impressed throughout the group stage. With pace, trickery, and a keen eye for goal, Diallo is expected to be a key attacking weapon on Wednesday night.