Ivory Coast Produce Stunning Comeback to Beat Gabon 3–2 and Top AFCON Group F
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire staged a sensational comeback from two goals down to defeat Gabon 3–2 in Marrakesh on Wednesday, sealing top spot in Group F at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 and booking a Round of 16 clash with Burkina Faso.
Gabon shocked the Elephants with a blistering start, taking the lead in the 11th minute through Guélor Kanga. The Panthers then doubled their advantage in the 21st minute when Denis Bouanga fired home his first goal of the tournament, leaving the holders in real danger as they struggled to find their rhythm.
With star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already ruled out of the match due to a thigh injury, Gabon’s brave approach still had them in full control for much of the first half. But Côte d’Ivoire struck back just before the break, when Jean-Philippe Krasso finished neatly in the 44th minute after being set up by Wilfried Zaha, halving the deficit and restoring belief for the champions.
The second half saw the Elephants continue to push forward, though head coach Emerse Faé made bold changes, including withdrawing captain Franck Kessié and Zaha. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo eventually entered the fray in the 76th minute, but it was another substitute who made the difference. Evann Guessand levelled the tie in the 84th minute, converting a fine cross from Christopher Opéri to set up a thrilling finale.
Deep into stoppage time, the comeback was completed. Substitute Bazoumana Touré rose highest to power home a dramatic header in the 90+1st minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Ivorian players and fans. The victory lifted Côte d’Ivoire to seven points, the same as Cameroon, but the Elephants topped the group thanks to scoring more goals.
Elsewhere in Group F, Cameroon also came from behind to defeat Mozambique 2–1 in Agadir, thanks to a stunning strike from Christian Kofane. The Indomitable Lions advanced as runners-up and will now meet South Africa in the Round of 16, while Mozambique progress to face Nigeria. Gabon exit the tournament after spirited performances but fall short of the knockout stage.
