Currently rooted to the bottom of the table and already eliminated, Gabon will be playing purely for pride when they face Ivory Coast at the Stade de Marrakech in their final group match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Gabon were beaten 3-2 by Mozambique in their previous outing, becoming the first nation ever to lose to them at AFCON level. That result confirmed the Panthers’ early exit, following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their opening fixture.
Now on a three-match losing run, Gabon will be eager to bow out with their heads held high, although their chances of doing so appear slim given they are up against the reigning African champions.
Thierry Mouyouma’s side have failed to live up to expectations, having been tipped to strongly challenge for a knockout berth in Group F after their encouraging World Cup qualifying campaign, which only ended at the play-off stage.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, head into this encounter knowing their opponents are already out, while they themselves are enjoying a six-match unbeaten run at AFCON stretching back to the previous edition.
The Elephants have not lost a competitive match for over a year, and they will be confident of sealing top spot in the group with another victory here.
How the bookies view it: Ivory Coast overwhelming favourites
Ivory Coast are strong favourites with Betano at 1/2, while Gabon are priced as sizeable outsiders at 7/1. The draw, available at 29/10, points to a less likely but still conceivable competitive outcome.
With their attacking sharpness and overall quality, the Ivorians are expected to eventually overwhelm the Gabonese.
Recent head-to-head: Ivorians hold the upper hand
Ivory Coast have lost just one of the last nine meetings between the sides (W5, D3). The most recent encounter came in September during World Cup qualifying, ending in a goalless draw.
Players to watch: Amad Diallo to continue scoring streak
Amad Diallo has scored both of Ivory Coast’s goals at this tournament so far, and the in-form Manchester United winger will be aiming to find the net in three consecutive AFCON matches, and four in a row for club and country.
Probable line-ups
Both teams approach this fixture with no injury or suspension concerns. Former Arsenal striker and Gabon talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened his AFCON account against Mozambique and will be keen to add to that tally.
Ivory Coast boast significant depth in attacking areas, allowing for rotation, but Amad Diallo is expected to retain his place after emerging as their standout performer so far.
Gabon: Mbaba; Onfia, Moucketou-Moussounda, Lemina, Ekomie; Kanga, N’Dong; Babicka, Poko, Bouanga; Aubameyang
Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana; Doue, Koussounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Bayo, Zaha
Anything else that catches the eye?
Only one of Ivory Coast’s last 14 matches has seen both teams score, making a ‘both teams to score – no’ option an appealing angle.
The last six goals in Ivory Coast matches have all arrived before the hour mark, while Gabon’s last eight goals have been scored after the 40th minute, making a no-goal prediction in the opening 30 minutes a realistic betting option.
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