Ivory Coast produced a spirited comeback on Wednesday night to defeat Gabon 3-2 in their final Group F match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, turning the contest around after finding themselves two goals down early on.
Gabon made a blistering start and capitalised on an early error in the 11th minute when goalkeeper Alban Lafont misjudged a situation, allowing Guelor Kanga the simplest of finishes to hand his side the lead.
The Panthers doubled their advantage ten minutes later as Denis Bouanga reacted quickest to a rebound just outside the box and rifled a superb strike into the bottom right corner, leaving Lafont with no chance.
Denis Bouanga in his element! ✨🇬🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/CCcv4pjHPp
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 31, 2025
Ivory Coast, however, refused to fold and found a crucial lifeline just before the break. Jean-Philippe Krasso latched onto a perfectly weighted pass in the 44th minute, raced clear of the defence and calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.
The Elephants pushed hard in the second half, and their persistence finally paid off late in the game. In the 84th minute, a well-delivered corner was met by Evann Guessand, who rose highest near the penalty spot to power a header off the post and into the net, bringing Ivory Coast level at 2-2.
The turnaround was completed moments later when Bazoumana Toure showed sharp reactions inside the box, getting on the end of a deflected cross from Christopher Operi and guiding a close-range header beyond the goalkeeper to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
A diving header. A decisive touch. Bazoumana Touré. 🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/cKKR8PxDjr
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 31, 2025
The result capped an impressive fightback by Ivory Coast and ensured they ended the group stage on a high note. With seven points, the Elephants topped Group F to continue their journey at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.
Round of 16 | Spot 14. 🇨🇮
Côte d’Ivoire qualify for the next round of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/7a3n0fUS2Q
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 31, 2025
