12 hours ago
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Ivory Coast trade tackles with Gabon in their final group game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday evening.
The defending champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Cameroon last time out, while Gabon suffered a 3-2 loss to Mozambique.
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Match preview
Ivory Coast sit joint-top of Group F with four points, while Gabon are bottom with zero points.
The Elephants need just one point to qualify automatically for the round of 16, while the Panthers need maximum points and hope for favourable results elsewhere to advance.
Ivory Coast defeated Mozambique 1-0 in their opening game, before being held to a draw by the Indomitable Lions.
Emerse Fae’s side have looked dangerous in attack, but have not been prolific, scoring two goals, underscoring their expected goals of 3.87. They have also looked vulnerable defensively.
Fae will be looking for an improvement against Gabon as they seek to continue the defence of their title.
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Gabon, meanwhile, have been underwhelming at both ends of the pitch and would need a flawless performance to beat the defending champions.
Thierry Mouyouma’s side lost 1-0 to Cameroon in their opening match, but still provided a stern test for the Indomitable Lions.
Gabon were the favourites to beat Mozambique, but fell to defeat, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
Head-to-head
This is the first ever AFCON meeting between Ivory Coast and Gabon, but they have met 13 times previously, with the former winning seven, drawing three and losing three.
Team news
Both teams have no injury concerns ahead of this encounter.
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Predicted line-ups
Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Yahia Fofana, Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan, Ibrahim Sangare, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, Amad Diallo, Vakoun Bayo, Yan Diomande.
Gabon (4-3-3): Loyce Mbaba, Anthony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Mario Lemina, Jacques Ekomie, Andre Poko, Didier Ndong, Guelor Kanga, Shavy Babicka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga.
Prediction
We project a 3-1 victory for Ivory Coast.
Stats from transfermarkt.com & whoscored.com
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