Marrakech, Morocco – In a thrilling encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, Ivory Coast mounted a sensational comeback to defeat Gabon 3-2, securing the top spot in Group F. The match, held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech, saw the defending champions dig deep to overcome a two-goal deficit against an already eliminated Gabonese side.
Gabon, despite their elimination, started strongly, determined to leave their mark on the tournament. Guelor Kanga opened the scoring in the 11th minute, reacting quickly to a rebound after Alban Lafont failed to handle Teddy Averlant's shot. Ten minutes later, Denis Bouanga doubled Gabon's lead with a superb first-time strike into the bottom corner, leaving Ivory Coast reeling.
Emerse Fae's Ivorian team, one of the favorites in the competition, looked rattled by Gabon's early dominance. However, they managed to pull a goal back just before halftime when Wilfried Zaha set up Jean-Philippe Krasso for a close-range finish. The goal shifted the momentum, providing Ivory Coast with a lifeline heading into the second half.
The second half saw Ivory Coast increase the pressure as they fought to avoid an upset and secure their place at the top of the group. Their efforts finally paid off in the 84th minute when Evann Guessand rose highest to head in a corner, leveling the score at 2-2.
With the match heading towards a draw, teenage forward Bazoumana Toure scored a dramatic winner in stoppage time, heading home to complete the comeback and snatch the victory for Ivory Coast. The final score was 3-2.
The win meant Ivory Coast finished Group F with seven points, edging out Cameroon on goal difference. Cameroon also secured a victory, defeating Mozambique 2-1. Ivory Coast will now face Burkina Faso in the round of 16, while Cameroon will face South Africa. Mozambique will play Nigeria.
Gabon's defeat means they exit the tournament without a win, a disappointing end to their AFCON 2025 campaign. The absence of their star player, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who returned to France for treatment of a thigh injury, was keenly felt.
The match was a testament to Ivory Coast's resilience and determination, as they overcame a difficult start to emerge victorious. Their comeback win sets them up for a challenging knockout stage as they aim to add another AFCON title to their name.
