Defending champions Ivory Coast produced a stunning comeback to defeat Gabon 3-2 in a thrilling Group F finale at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, sealing top spot in the group and booking a round of 16 clash with Burkina Faso, Afrosport reports.
Gabon shocked the title holders with a blistering start. Guelor Kanga opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and just 10 minutes later Denis Bouanga doubled the Panthers’ advantage with a composed finish, leaving the Ivorians reeling as Gabon dominated the early exchanges.
The Elephants gradually found their footing and were rewarded just before halftime. Jean-Philippe Krasso pulled one back in the 44th minute after a clever build-up involving Wilfried Zaha, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
Ivory Coast turned up the pressure in the second half, probing relentlessly for an equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in the 84th minute when Evann Guessand finished clinically from a well-delivered Christopher Operi cross to make it 2-2 and set up a dramatic finale.
Deep into stoppage time, the champions completed an unforgettable turnaround. Bazoumana Toure rose highest to head home the winner in the 91st minute, and confirmed Ivory Coast’s place at the summit of Group F.
Round of 16 | Spot 14. 🇨🇮
Côte d’Ivoire qualify for the next round of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/7a3n0fUS2Q
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 31, 2025
In the group’s other fixture, Cameroon also showed resilience, coming from behind to defeat Mozambique 2-1 and secure qualification as runners-up.
Cameroon will face South Africa in the round of 16, while Mozambique take on Nigeria. Gabon, despite a spirited performance, bow out of the tournament.
