Gabon vs Ivory Coast Prediction 31.12.2025 | African Cup of Nations

Gabon enter their final Group F match with their tournament fate already sealed, having been among the first teams mathematically eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after losing their opening two games.

The Panthers sit anchored at the bottom of the group with zero points, falling first to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Cameroon before suffering a heart-breaking 3-2 loss to Mozambique in their most recent outing.

Coach Thierry Mouyouma now faces the difficult task of motivating his squad for what is effectively a dead-rubber clash against the reigning champions. While Gabon have shown glimpses of attacking promise, lapses in concentration, particularly on set-pieces, have proved costly.

Nevertheless, the team can still play a meaningful role in shaping the final standings in Group F and will be playing for pride and a positive send-off from the tournament. The potential return of key defender Bruno Ecuele Manga could provide much-needed stability at the back as they seek to end their tournament on a stronger note.

Reigning champions Ivory Coast have navigated the group stages with typical professionalism, currently topping Group F and having already secured their place in the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Under the stewardship of coach Emerse Fae, the Elephants delivered a slender 1-0 win over Mozambique in their most recent fixture, building on a hard-fought 1-1 stalemate against Cameroon in their tournament opener.

With qualification assured, Fae may look to rotate his squad, giving rest to key players such as captain Serge Aurier and midfielder Franck Kessie, ensuring they remain fresh for the pivotal knockout stages.

Nonetheless, the primary goal remains topping the group, providing a theoretically smoother route to the final, and maintaining the clinical form of a side that has not tasted defeat against Gabon since 2017.