Gabon and Ivory Coast will face off in the final round of Group F matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
While the Panthers play for pride, the defending champions arrive knowing that only a professional performance will remove any lingering doubt over top spot.
With pressure sitting squarely on Ivory Coast’s shoulders and Gabon freed from expectation, this encounter is less about form and more about focus.
After reviewing our Gabon vs Ivory Coast prediction, remember to check out other betting predictions for today.
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Gabon vs Ivory Coast prediction: Ivory Coast to win
Key statistics
- Gabon have lost three consecutive AFCON matches after previously going unbeaten in five (W4, D1).
- The Elephants have won five of their last six AFCON games, all by one-goal margins.
- Gabon’s last nine AFCON finals matches have all been decided by no more than a one-goal margin.
Correct score prediction: Gabon 0-1 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast’s control and tournament know-how should edge a tight contest against a spirited but limited Gabon side.
Pre-game odds and implied probabilities: Ivory Coast are strong favourites
- Gabon: 11/2 – 6.50 (15.4%)
- Draw: 14/5 – 3.80 (26.3%)
- Ivory Coast: 4/9 – 1.44 (69.2%)
*Odds via Ladbrokes, subject to change
Ivory Coast are strong favourites, with markets expecting control, while Gabon and the draw are viewed as clear long shots.
Most recent head-to-head: Ivory Coast firmly in control
Ivory Coast have lost just once in their last nine meetings with Gabon (W5, D3), with the most recent encounter ending goalless during World Cup qualifying earlier this year.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 07/06/24
Ivory Coast
Gabon
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/17
Ivory Coast
Gabon
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 02/09/17
Gabon
Ivory Coast
International Match 04/06/16
Ivory Coast
Gabon
African Nations Championship 24/01/16
Ivory Coast
Gabon
Gabon preview: Pride, patience and a final farewell
Gabon’s AFCON campaign unravelled quickly – a narrow defeat to Cameroon was followed by a historic loss to Mozambique, leaving the Panthers eliminated before the final group match for the fifth time in seven tournaments.
That collapse stands in sharp contrast to the form Gabon carried into the finals, having gone unbeaten in five matches prior to this three-game losing streak.
With qualification no longer possible, the focus now shifts to salvaging dignity, and perhaps offering a fitting AFCON farewell for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The veteran forward found the net against Mozambique but could not drag his side back into contention. Denis Bouanga, meanwhile, is still searching for his first direct goal involvement of the tournament and will hope freedom from pressure unlocks his best form.
Defensively, captain Bruno Ecuele Manga could be rested after a difficult outing, with Alex Moucketou-Moussounda expected to slot in alongside Mario Lemina.
Predicted lineup: Mbaba; Onfia, Moucketou-Moussounda, Lemina, Ekomie; Kanga, N’Dong; Babicka, Poko, Bouanga; Aubameyang
Gabon’s last five results
- 28.12.25 – Gabon 2-3 Mozambique
- 24.12.25 – Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
- 13.11.25 – Nigeria 4-1 Gabon
- 14.10.25 – Gabon 2-0 Burundi
- 10.10.25 – Gambia 3-4 Gabon
Ivory Coast preview: Quiet efficiency over spectacle
Ivory Coast’s title defence has lacked fireworks but not control. A narrow win over Mozambique and a 1-1 draw with Cameroon have left Emerse Fae’s side top of Group F on fair play, though victory here would remove any reliance on other results.
That pragmatic edge has become a hallmark of Fae’s tenure. Since taking over mid-tournament in the previous AFCON, the Elephants have lost just once in competitive action, remaining unbeaten for over a year.
Predicted lineup: Y. Fofana; Doue, Koussounou, Ndicka, Konan; Kessie, Sangare, S. Fofana; Diallo, Bayo, Zaha
Ivory Coast’s last five results
- 28.12.25 – Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
- 24.12.25 – Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique
- 18.11.25 – Oman 0-2 Ivory Coast
- 14.11.25 – Saudi Arabia 1-0 Ivory Coast
- 14.10.25 – Ivory Coast 3-0 Kenya
Player to watch: Amad Diallo
Ivory Coast’s attacking output has flowed through Amad Diallo, whose direct running and composure in front of goal have made the difference in tight games. With qualification on the line, the winger’s ability to unlock a stubborn defence could again prove decisive.
