Cameroon vs Gabon Prediction: Cameroon and Gabon will likely draw 0-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 opener on December 24, as both teams struggle with attacking absences (Vincent Aboubakar excluded for Cameroon, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang injured for Gabon), their last meeting ended goalless in 2017, and Cameroon failed to score in their last two matches while Gabon remains defensively solid with no regulation-time losses in their last six games.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Africa Cup of Nations 2025 |
| Match Date | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| Venue | Agadir, Morocco |
| Group | Group F (Group of Death) |
| Kick-off Time | Check local listings |
| Current Form | Cameroon: D-W-L-W-D-L / Gabon: W-W-D-W-W-L |
Key Facts
- Cameroon enters the tournament after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing their spot to Cape Verde.
- Gabon remains unbeaten in regulation time across their last six matches before this tournament.
- The last meeting between these teams ended 0-0 in January 2017 during the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Cameroon’s captain Vincent Aboubakar has been surprisingly left out of the squad by coach David Pagou.
- Gabon’s captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss the opening match due to a knock sustained in his final game for Marseille.
- Cameroon failed to score in their last two competitive matches, contributing to their World Cup qualification failure.
- Gabon held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the World Cup playoffs, showcasing their ability to compete against top African teams.
- The teams have split their last five head-to-head encounters with two wins each and one draw.
On This Page
Match Preview
Cameroon begins their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Gabon in what promises to be a tightly contested Group F opener.
The Indomitable Lions carry the weight of recent disappointment after missing out on the 2026 World Cup, a tournament where they hold the African record with eight appearances.
Coach David Pagou faces immense pressure to restore pride to a nation accustomed to footballing excellence.
The Central African side qualified for Morocco by topping their group without losing a single match. However, their recent struggles in front of goal raise concerns.
Cameroon failed to find the net in their last two outings, including a 0-1 loss to DR Congo and a 0-0 draw with Angola.
This lack of attacking potency becomes more worrying with the absence of veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar, who was controversially excluded from the squad.
Gabon arrives in Morocco wearing the dark horse tag with confidence. Coach Thierry Mouyouma has built a resilient team that refuses to lose easily.
The Panthers have not suffered a defeat in regulation time across their last six matches, demonstrating their defensive solidity and ability to grind out results.
Their 1-1 draw with Nigeria in World Cup qualifying proved they can stand toe-to-toe with Africa’s elite.
Predicted Cameroon vs Gabon Lineups and Formation
Cameroon Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Devis Epassy
Defense: Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo
Midfield: Onana, Baleba
Attack: Mbeumo, Dina Ebimbe, Nkoudou
Striker: Magri
Bryan Mbeumo takes over the captain’s armband and leads the attack. The Brentford forward carries the hopes of the nation in Aboubakar’s absence.
Karl Etta Eyong, who scored five goals in 12 La Liga appearances for Levante, provides an exciting attacking option off the bench.
Gabon Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Mbaba
Defense: Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Appindangoye, Ekomie
Midfield: Ndong, Lemina
Attack: Bouanga, Kanga, Allevinah
Striker: Openda
Mario Lemina anchors the midfield with his Premier League experience at Wolverhampton.
Denis Bouanga becomes the focal point of the attack in Aubameyang’s absence, supported by creative players who can unlock defenses with moments of brilliance.
Team Injuries and Availability
Cameroon Injuries
Cameroon reports a fully fit squad with no injury concerns heading into the tournament opener.
However, the controversial decision to leave out goalkeeper Andre Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar represents significant absences, though these stem from selection choices rather than physical issues.
Gabon Injuries
Key Injury: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon’s captain and talisman, will miss the opening match after picking up a knock in his final appearance for Marseille.
This represents a massive blow to Gabon’s attacking threat, as Aubameyang brings vast experience and goal-scoring ability.
Impact Analysis
Aubameyang’s absence shifts the burden to Denis Bouanga, who enjoyed a spectacular MLS season with Los Angeles FC, scoring 26 goals in 34 appearances.
The absence of both captains (Aboubakar excluded, Aubameyang injured) creates an interesting dynamic where both teams must rely on alternative leaders.
Tactical Analysis
Cameroon typically employs a possession-based approach, looking to control games through midfield dominance.
However, their recent struggles converting possession into goals suggest tactical adjustments may be necessary.
The 4-2-3-1 formation provides defensive stability while allowing attacking midfielders to support the lone striker.
Gabon operates as tactical disruptors who thrive on defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities.
They absorb pressure effectively and rely on individual flair to create scoring chances.
Their unpredictability makes them dangerous opponents, particularly against teams expected to dominate possession.
Key Players to Watch
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
The newly appointed captain must shoulder enormous responsibility. His pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instincts make him Cameroon’s primary attacking threat.
Mbeumo’s performance will largely determine whether Cameroon can break down Gabon’s organized defense.
Denis Bouanga (Gabon)
After scoring 26 goals in 34 MLS matches for LAFC, Bouanga arrives in Morocco in sensational form.
He must replicate that productivity on the continental stage while filling the void left by Aubameyang’s absence.
His direct running and finishing ability pose serious problems for any defense.
Mario Lemina (Gabon)
The Wolverhampton midfielder brings invaluable experience from England’s Premier League.
His ability to control tempo, break up opposition attacks, and distribute effectively makes him crucial to Gabon’s game plan.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The historical record between these nations shows competitive balance. Across nine meetings, Cameroon holds a slight advantage with four victories compared to Gabon’s three wins and two draws.
Recent Results:
- January 2017: Cameroon 0-0 Gabon (ACN)
- September 2016: Cameroon 2-1 Gabon (Friendly)
- August 2013: Gabon 2-0 Cameroon (ANC Qualifier)
- July 2013: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon (ANC Qualifier)
- January 2010: Cameroon 0-1 Gabon (ACN)
The pattern reveals low-scoring affairs with minimal goal difference.
Both teams understand each other well, leading to cautious, tactical battles rather than open, free-flowing matches.
Where to Watch Live?
India: FanCode
United Kingdom: Channel 4, 4seven
United States: beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Fanatiz USA
Canada: beIN Sports Canada, beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fanatiz Canada
Africa: SuperSport Football Plus ROA, DStv Now, Canal+ CAN (various countries)
France: beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, myCANAL
Australia: beIN SPORTS 3, beIN Sports Connect
Group F Standings
All teams in Group F begin with 0 points, 0 matches played. The group includes Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique, and Côte d’Ivoire (defending champions).
This “group of death” designation reflects the quality and competitive balance among all four nations.
Match Prediction
Both teams approach this opener with caution, understanding that avoiding defeat holds greater importance than chasing victory.
Cameroon’s recent goal-scoring drought combined with Gabon’s defensive resilience suggests a low-scoring encounter.
The absence of both teams’ primary attacking threats (Aboubakar excluded, Aubameyang injured) further supports a conservative prediction.
Gabon’s six-match unbeaten run in regulation time demonstrates their ability to frustrate opponents, while Cameroon’s last meeting with Gabon ended goalless.
Predicted Score: Cameroon 0-0 Gabon
Both teams will likely settle for a point to start their campaigns, setting up crucial second matches where attacking ambition may increase.
Cameroon ranks 27 places higher than Gabon in FIFA’s world rankings, yet recent form suggests this gap means little.
Read All Football Predictions.
Gabon’s defensive record shows they conceded just four goals across their last six matches (excluding the penalty shootout loss to Nigeria).
Cameroon’s attacking statistics reveal concerning trends, with zero goals in their final two World Cup qualifiers.
The tournament setting in Morocco adds another dimension, as neutral venues often produce tighter, more tactical contests compared to home-and-away qualifiers.
This Group F opener presents two nations at different emotional crossroads. Cameroon seeks redemption after World Cup heartbreak, while Gabon aims to exceed their previous quarter-final achievements.
The tactical chess match between defensive organization and attacking ambition will determine the outcome, with both teams likely prioritizing stability over risk in this crucial opening fixture.
FAQs
Where To Watch Cameroon vs Gabon Live?
Fans can watch Cameroon vs Gabon live on Channel 4 and 4seven in the UK, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV in the USA, FanCode in India, SuperSport Football Plus ROA across Africa, and beIN Sports 1 in France, with the match broadcast globally across over 100 countries through various regional sports networks on December 24, 2025.
Who Will Win Cameroon vs Gabon Match?
Neither team will likely win the Cameroon vs Gabon match, as both sides will probably settle for a 0-0 draw given Cameroon’s failure to score in their last two matches, Gabon’s six-game unbeaten streak in regulation time, the absence of key attackers (Vincent Aboubakar excluded for Cameroon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang injured for Gabon), and their cautious approach in previous meetings where the last encounter ended goalless.
What is Cameroon vs Gabon Match Kick-Off Time?
Cameroon vs Gabon kicks off on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in Agadir, Morocco, during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group F opener, with exact local kick-off times varying by region and broadcast schedules across different time zones worldwide.
Are There Any Injuries in Cameroon vs Gabon Match?
Gabon’s captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss the match due to a knock sustained in his final game for Marseille, while Cameroon reports no injury concerns but controversially excluded veteran striker and captain Vincent Aboubakar from the squad, creating significant attacking absences for both teams in this crucial Group F opener.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Cameroon vs Gabon Match?
The predicted score for Cameroon vs Gabon is 0-0, based on Cameroon’s goal-scoring drought in their last two competitive matches (0-1 loss to DR Congo and 0-0 draw with Angola), Gabon’s defensive resilience with no regulation-time losses in six games, both teams missing their primary attacking threats, and their last head-to-head meeting in January 2017 ending goalless.
Gabon Standing with Points?
Gabon currently has 0 points in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 before their opening match against Cameroon on December 24, as all four teams (Gabon, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Côte d’Ivoire) begin the tournament with identical records of 0 matches played, 0 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, and 0 goal difference.
Cameroon Standing With Points?
Cameroon currently has 0 points in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 before their tournament opener against Gabon, as the Indomitable Lions begin their campaign level with all other Group F teams (Gabon, Mozambique, and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire) at 0 matches played, seeking redemption after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.