AFCON 2025: Côte d'Ivoire outshines Gabon and finishes ahead of Cameroon at the top of Group F

The indomitable Cameroon
The Lions of Cameroon defended their "Indomptables"  this Wednesday evening against Mozambique. Despite a great start, David Pagou’s men were led against the odds with the opening goal by Geny Catamo who launched the Mambas on a superb left-footing in the 23rd minute. 

At that moment, Côte d'Ivoire which was led by Gabon, went down to the 3rd place in Group F, Cameroon in second place and Mozambique (7 points) at the top of the group. But the reign of the Mambas was ephemeral since Cameroon will force them to equalize with an own goal from Néné five minutes later (28'). The Indomitable Lions once again showed their pride with a quick reaction as they did against Côte d'Ivoire on the second day. Even without their captain, Nouhou Tolo came out after feeling discomfort just before the break (42nd).

Not satisfied with this score even if it was top of the group at that moment-there, Cameroon pushed to pass in front of Mozambique with  Christian Kofane  who triggered a heavy strike in the 55th minute to reinforce the leader’s seat of the Indomitable Lions who managed to defend their advantage until the end, but that was not enough to finish leader of Group F. Cameroon will face South Africa in the last 16.

The champions Ivory Coast dig deep against Gabon
On the other hand, Côte d'Ivoire who was in a long-distance duel with Cameroon for first place in Group F, experienced a catastrophic first half with an Alban Lafont very average for his first appearance in this AFCON 2025. Emerse Faé who rotated his squad will have suffered during the first 45 minutes.

At the end of the 11th minute of play, the goalkeeper of the Elephants made a hand foul on a shot yet within his reach, which he offers tof Guelor Kanga for the opening goal of the Panthers. Ten minutes later, he did not deploy his left hand to try to take the shot of Denis Bouanga who calmly made the break for Gabon.

Apart from a few fulgurances and two shots on target by Oumar Diakité, one on the crossbar and the other repelled by Bekale from a corner, the Elephants struggled in this first period, before Jean-Philippe Krasso closed the gap in the 44th minute on a beautiful pass from Wilfried Zaha. But the elephants will ignite the second period, with a less sharp Gabon.

To avoid a defeat, Emerse Faé brought in Evan Guessand, Guéla Doué, Ama Diallo and Yan Diomandé and the Ivory Coast regained the upper hand over the Panthers. The equalizer came in late at the 84th minute from  an excellent corner by Christopher Operi. 

And as if that was not enough, Ivory Coast will score a third goal in additional time (90+1) thanks to Bazoumana Touré to pass again ahead of Cameroon and finish as leader of Group F. The Elephants could even have scored a 4th goal (scored by Yan Diomandé), but Amad Diallo, passer, was offside at the start of the action. Côte d'Ivoire will play Burkina Faso in the eighth round.