Gabon have won only one of ten meetings with Côte d'Ivoire this century. The pair met in World Cup qualifying, with Ivory Coast winning 1-0 in Korhogo last year before a goalless draw in Franceville as recently as September.
Gabon vs Ivory Coast preview
These two teams have enjoyed contrasting fortunes at this Africa Cup of Nations so far, with their fate's already decided, but who will have a win on New Year's Eve to celebrate at Marrakesh Stadium? Holders Côte d'Ivoire are already planning for the knockout stages, having picked up four points to date. First, Amad was the only scorer as les Éléphants defeated Mozambique 1-0 before, on Sunday night, the Man United winger broke the deadlock again during a 1-1 draw with Cameroon.
This all leaves Emerse Faé's team top of Group F, guaranteed to feature in the round of 16, looking to win this one to cement top spot. Should they finish first, they'll face, probably, Burkina Faso on Tuesday, while slipping down to second would set up a clash with South Africa on Sunday, which is certainly much tougher. So, will the reigning and defending Africa Cup of Nations champions Côte d'Ivoire claim the win that they need?
In stark contrast, this campaign has been a complete catastrophe for Gabon. The Panthers were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon a week ago before, on Sunday, being on the wrong end of a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Mozambique. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and then Alex Moucketou-Moussounda scoring in vain in Agādīr as Mozambique won an AFCON match for the first time.
For Gabon meantime, this defeat means they are eliminated with a game to spare, continuing their miserable couple of months, after Thierry Mouyouma's team were dumped out of the World Cup play-offs by Nigeria in November. The Panthers have therefore now only gone beyond the group phase at the Cup of Nations twice since 1996, a very underwhelming record. Thus, most expect that Ivory Coast will pick up all three points at Marrakesh Stadium on Wednesday night.
Gabon vs Ivory Coast head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 18.
- Gabon Wins: 4. Draws: 4. Ivory Coast Wins: 10.
Gabon team news
Shavy Babicka, Anthony Oyono and Bruno Ecuélé Manga, the latter his country's all-time record appearance holder, were all replaced at half time on Sunday, so will Royce Openda, Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and Mick Omfia start this time.
Elsewhere, Denis Bouanga of LAFC has scored five international goals in 2025, all coming against Seychelles, so can he get off the mark at this tournament?
Gabon predicted lineup vs Ivory Coast: (4-3-3): Mbada; Onoyo, Ecuélé Manga, Moucketou-Moussounda, Ekomié; Ndong, Lemina, Kanga; Babicka, Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Gabon player to watch vs Ivory Coast
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 40 times for the Panthers, following his goal in vain at the weekend, so can he net against a 21st different international opponent?
Ivory Coast team news
Knowing they're guaranteed a spot in the last 16, it'll be interesting to see how Emerse Faé balances chasing top spot while also resting players ahead of the knockouts.
Evann Guessand of Aston Villa was only added to the squad at the last minute after Sébastien Haller withdrew, but came off the bench on Sunday, while Amad has scored both of les Éléphants' goal at this AFCON to date.
Ivory Coast predicted lineup vs Gabon: (4-3-3): Fofana; Doué, Ndicka, Kossounou, Konan; Sangaré, Kessié, Seri; Amad, Diomandé, Zaha.
Ivory Coast player to watch vs Gabon
Teenaged striker Yan Diomandé joined RB Leipzig from Leganés for €20 million in the summer, scoring seven times for the Red Bulls so far, now seeking a third goal for Côte d'Ivoire.
Gabon vs Ivory Coast prediction
Against a demoralised and demotivated Gabon side, we're forecasting a victory for reigning African champions Côte d'Ivoire in Marrakesh on New Year's Eve: Gabon 0-2 Ivory Coast.
Gabon vs Ivory Coast FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Gabon vs Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Gabon vs Ivory Coast 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 Gabon vs Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Gabon vs Ivory Coast 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 Gabon vs Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Gabon vs Ivory Coast takes place on New Year's Eve, Wednesday 31 December 2025, with kick off at 19:00 (GMT), 14:00 (ET) & 11:00 (PT).