Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Prediction: Ivory Coast will defeat Gabon 1-0 in their final Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group F match on Wednesday, as the defending champions possess superior defensive organization that has allowed only four shots on target in two games, while the already-eliminated Panthers have conceded four goals and lack the attacking quality to break down Emerse Fae’s well-structured team.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – Group F |
| Date | Wednesday, January 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Marrakesh, Morocco |
| Gabon Form | L-L (AFCON 2025) |
| Ivory Coast Form | W-D (AFCON 2025) |
| Head-to-Head | Ivory Coast unbeaten in last 2 meetings |
| Gabon Status | Eliminated (0 points) |
| Ivory Coast Status | Qualification secured (4 points) |
Key Facts
- Gabon has lost both opening matches at AFCON 2025, conceding four goals and scoring two.
- Ivory Coast remains unbeaten in competitive matches for over a year, with their last defeat coming against Zambia in November 2024.
- The Elephants have not lost to Gabon in their previous two competitive encounters, both during World Cup qualifying.
- Amad Diallo has scored both goals for Ivory Coast at the tournament and seeks his third consecutive match with a goal.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored against Mozambique but could not prevent Gabon’s 3-2 defeat.
- Ivory Coast has allowed only four shots on target across 180 minutes of AFCON 2025 action.
- Emerse Fae’s team has gone six matches without defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations, dating back to the previous tournament.
- Gabon cannot advance even as one of the four best third-placed teams due to their head-to-head record with Mozambique.
On This Page
Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Preview and Prediction
Gabon enters this final Group F encounter with their tournament hopes already extinguished.
Thierry Mouyouma’s Panthers suffered consecutive defeats against Cameroon and Mozambique, leaving them bottom of the group with zero points.
The 3-2 loss to Mozambique on Sunday proved particularly damaging, as the Mambas secured their first AFCON victory in 17 attempts.
Ivory Coast approaches this match from a position of strength. The defending champions have secured their place in the knockout stages with four points from two matches.
Emerse Fae’s squad opened with a 1-0 victory over Mozambique before earning a 1-1 draw against Cameroon.
The Elephants aim to finish atop Group F, which would provide a more favorable path through the knockout rounds.
Expected Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Lineups and Formations
Gabon Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Mbaba
Defense: Onfia, Moucketou-Moussounda, Lemina, Ekomie
Midfield: Kanga, N’Dong
Attack: Babicka, Poko, Bouanga
Forward: Aubameyang
Ivory Coast Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Y. Fofana
Defense: Doue, Koussounou, Ndicka, Konan
Midfield: Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana
Attack: Diallo, Bayo, Zaha
Tactical Analysis
Gabon has struggled defensively throughout the tournament. Captain Bruno Ecuele Manga endured a difficult first half against Mozambique, culminating in a penalty concession.
Mouyouma may replace him with Alex Moucketou-Moussounda to provide fresh legs and renewed defensive stability alongside Mario Lemina.
The Panthers deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation that relies heavily on the creative abilities of Denis Bouanga and the finishing prowess of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
However, Bouanga has failed to register a goal or assist in Morocco despite his impressive World Cup qualifying campaign.
Ivory Coast operates with a balanced 4-3-3 system that emphasizes defensive solidity and quick transitions.
The midfield trio of Kessie, Sangare, and S. Fofana provides both defensive cover and progressive passing.
Emerse Fae’s team has conceded just one goal in two matches, demonstrating their organizational strength.
The Elephants possess multiple attacking options. Amad Diallo has emerged as the tournament’s standout performer for Ivory Coast, scoring both goals.
Wilfried Zaha, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand, and Vakoun Issouf Bayo compete for the remaining forward positions.
Injury Report
Both teams enter this match with fully fit squads. Gabon has no reported injuries, giving Mouyouma access to his complete roster for the final group match.
Similarly, Ivory Coast faces no injury concerns, allowing Fae to select from his strongest available lineup.
The absence of injury issues means both managers can focus purely on tactical decisions rather than forced changes.
This benefits Ivory Coast more significantly, as they can rotate players while maintaining quality throughout the squad.
Key Players to Watch
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon): The veteran forward scored against Mozambique and represents Gabon’s primary goal threat.
This match could mark his final AFCON appearance, providing additional motivation to deliver a memorable performance.
Aubameyang’s movement and finishing ability remain world-class despite his advancing years.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast): The Manchester United winger has scored in both AFCON 2025 matches and arrives in exceptional form.
Diallo’s pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing make him the tournament’s most dangerous attacking player.
He seeks to score in three consecutive matches and extend his goal-scoring streak to four games across all competitions.
Denis Bouanga (Gabon): The LAFC forward has underperformed relative to expectations. Bouanga excelled during World Cup qualifying but has yet to impact the tournament.
His ability to create chances and score goals makes him crucial to any Gabon success.
Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast): The midfielder provides defensive stability and progressive passing from deep positions.
Kessie’s physical presence and tactical intelligence help Ivory Coast control matches and transition quickly from defense to attack.
Current Standings – Group F
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameroon | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
| 2 | Ivory Coast | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 | Mozambique | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Gabon | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
Head-to-Head Record
Ivory Coast holds a strong recent record against Gabon. The teams have met six times in competitive fixtures, with the Elephants winning four matches, drawing one, and losing one. The most recent encounters occurred during World Cup qualifying.
In June 2024, Ivory Coast defeated Gabon 1-0 at home. The teams played to a 0-0 draw in September 2024. These results extended Ivory Coast’s unbeaten run against the Panthers to two matches.
Historical data shows Ivory Coast’s dominance. In September 2017, the Elephants won 3-0 away before securing a 2-1 home victory. A friendly match in June 2016 ended 2-1 in Ivory Coast’s favor.
Statistical Comparison
Gabon has struggled defensively, conceding four goals in two matches. The Panthers have managed only two goals, both scored by Aubameyang.
Their expected goals (xG) data suggests they have created limited quality chances.
Ivory Coast has allowed just four shots on target across 180 minutes, demonstrating exceptional defensive organization.
The Elephants have scored two goals from higher-quality chances, reflected in their superior conversion rate.
Possession statistics favor Ivory Coast, who typically control 55-60% of the ball. Gabon has averaged approximately 45% possession, forcing them to play more reactively.
Where to Watch Live
India: FanCode streams the match live for Indian viewers.
United Kingdom and Ireland: Channel 4 and 4seven provide free-to-air coverage.
France: beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Free, and myCANAL broadcast the match.
United States: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, fuboTV, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT offer streaming options.
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport MáXimo 3, DStv Now, and various regional broadcasters provide coverage.
Middle East and North Africa: beIN Sports MAX 1 Arabia, beIN Sports MAX 3 Arabia, and beIN Sports MAX 4 Arabia show the match.
Match Prediction
Ivory Coast enters as overwhelming favorites. The defending champions possess superior quality, better form, and stronger motivation to secure top spot in Group F.
Gabon’s elimination removes competitive pressure but also diminishes intensity.
The Elephants’ defensive record suggests they will limit Gabon’s attacking opportunities.
Amad Diallo’s current form makes him likely to score or create chances. Ivory Coast’s depth allows Fae to rotate players while maintaining performance levels.
Gabon will seek to restore pride after two disappointing defeats. Aubameyang’s potential final AFCON appearance provides emotional motivation.
However, the Panthers lack the defensive organization to contain Ivory Coast’s attacking threats.
Predicted Result: Gabon 0-1 Ivory Coast
The match will likely feature limited goal-scoring opportunities. Ivory Coast’s defensive solidity and Gabon’s attacking struggles suggest a low-scoring affair.
The Elephants should secure victory through superior quality and tactical discipline, potentially finishing as Group F winners depending on the Cameroon-Mozambique result.
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FAQs
Where To Watch Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Live?
Viewers can watch Gabon vs. Ivory Coast live on FanCode in India, Channel 4 and 4seven in the United Kingdom and Ireland, beIN Sports 1 in France, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV in the United States, and SuperSport MáXimo 3 across Sub-Saharan Africa, with the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group F match available through multiple regional broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide.
Who Will Win Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Match?
Ivory Coast will win the match against Gabon because the defending champions remain unbeaten in competitive fixtures for over a year, have allowed only four shots on target in 180 minutes at AFCON 2025, and possess superior attacking quality through in-form Manchester United winger Amad Diallo who has scored both tournament goals, while Gabon has already been eliminated after losing both opening matches and conceding four goals.
What is Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Match Kick-Off Time?
The Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Group F match kicks off on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, in Marrakesh, Morocco, with exact kick-off times varying by region and broadcaster schedules across different time zones worldwide.
Are There Any Injuries in Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Match?
Both Gabon and Ivory Coast have no reported injuries for their final Group F encounter, which means managers Thierry Mouyouma and Emerse Fae can select from their complete squads and make purely tactical decisions rather than forced changes due to fitness concerns.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Gabon vs. Ivory Coast Match?
Ivory Coast will defeat Gabon 1-0 based on the Elephants’ exceptional defensive record that has conceded just one goal in two matches, Gabon’s elimination status that removes competitive intensity, and Amad Diallo’s current form that makes him likely to score his third consecutive AFCON 2025 goal against a Panthers defense that has struggled throughout the tournament.
Ivory Coast Standing with Points?
Ivory Coast currently sits in second position in Group F with 4 points from two matches (one win, one draw, zero losses), having scored two goals and conceded one goal for a +1 goal difference, with their qualification to the knockout stages already secured before the final group match against Gabon.
Gabon Standing With Points?
Gabon sits in fourth and last position in Group F with 0 points from two matches (zero wins, zero draws, two losses), having scored two goals and conceded four goals for a -2 goal difference, with their elimination from AFCON 2025 already confirmed after consecutive defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique.