Gabon have only ever won three of 25 meetings with Cameroon, albeit the two teams have not met since the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, drawing 0-0 in Libreville, a result that saw the Indomitable Lions advance, going on to hoist the trophy aloft, while the hosts were eliminated.
Cameroon vs Gabon preview
These two teams both saw their World Cup dreams shattered in the play-offs last month, so who will soften that blow by making a deep run at the Africa Cup of Nations? Cameroon are five-times winners of this competition, their most-recent triumph coming in Gabon in 2017. Since, the Indomitable Lions were semi-finalists as hosts in 2022, ousted by Egypt on penalties, before an even earlier exit last year, beaten by Nigeria in the round of 16 in Abidjan.
More recently, Cameroon have also failed to secure a spot at next summer's World Cup. They finished second in their group, behind minnows Cape Verde, before being defeated by DR Congo in last month's play-off semi-finals, the night's only goal coming in injury time. As a result, just days ago, manager Marc Brys was sacked by federation president Samuel Eto'o, after the Belgian himself had submitted a strange squad for this tournament, more on that later. Thus, could Cameroon's chaotic preparations hamper their chances of a victory in this opener at Grand Stade d'Agadir?
As for Gabon, they have never qualified for the World Cup and that wait goes on, dumped out by Nigeria in their own play-off semi-final, ousted after extra time. Nevertheless, the Panthers have become AFCON regulars in recent times, set to feature at a sixth edition out of the last nine, albeit they missed the last one, and have never won a knockout stage match at the competition.
Prior to their play-off defeat, Thierry Mouyouma's team had been in good form, unbeaten in seven competitive matches, defeated only by Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire since September 2023. So, can Gabon spring a surprise in Agādīr, or will Cameroon's quality see them to victory?
Cameroon vs Gabon head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 25.
- Cameroon Wins: 12. Draws: 10. Gabon Wins: 3.
Cameroon team news
As mentioned, the now departed Marc Brys submitted Cameroon's AFCON squad, leaving new boss David Pagou without numerous key players.
André Onana, Jackson Tchatchoua, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Collins Fai, Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and captain Vincent Aboubakar, who scored eight goals during the 2022 AFCON, have all be omitted.
In terms of who will feature, Devis Epassy is set to be the goalkeeper, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba a key man at the base of midfield. Given the high-profile absentees, only Seattle Sounders defender Nouhou and forward Christian Bassogog have more than 30 caps to their name.
Forward Karl Etta Eyong has scored six La Liga goals for bottom side Levante this season, so the 22 year old could certainly raise his profile at this tournament.
Cameroon predicted lineup vs Gabon: (4-4-2): Epassy; Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Nouhou; Baleba, Jean Onana, Mbeumo, Nkoudou; Bassogog, Eyong.
Cameroon player to watch vs Gabon
Bryan Mbeumo is the undisputed star of this team. The Manchester United attacker bagged his seventh goal for the Indomitable Lions against Mauritius in October, so can he add to his tally?
Gabon team news
No such chaos and confusion when it comes to Thierry Mouyouma's team, who don't boast quite as much star quality, but he still has some high-quality players at his disposal.
Veteran centre-back Bruno Ecuélé Manga is Gabon's most-capped player of all-time; at 37 years old, this could well be his final Africa Cup of Nations.
In attack, Denis Bouanga is one of the best players in Major League Soccer, scoring 101 goals in 154 appearances for LAFC, so can he add to his tally of 15 at international level?
Gabon predicted lineup vs Cameroon: (4-3-3): Mbaba; Oyono, Appindangoyé, Ecuélé Manga, Obiang; Ndong, Kanga, Poko; Babicka, Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Gabon player to watch vs Cameroon
While Bouanga is a fantastic winger, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is very much still Gabon's talisman. Now 36 years old, he has scored 39 times for the Panthers, netting at four different AFCON tournaments, so can he make that five here?
Cameroon vs Gabon prediction
This Chrismtas Eve opener at Grand Stade d'Agadir is too close to call, so we're forecasting a draw, although literally every outcome is possible between two decent teams: Cameroon 1-1 Gabon.
Cameroon vs Gabon FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Cameroon vs Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Cameroon vs Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Cameroon vs Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Cameroon vs Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Cameroon vs Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Cameroon vs Gabon takes place on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).