Christ Inao Oulai delivered a standout performance as Côte d’Ivoire came from behind to defeat Gabon 3–2 in a dramatic AFCON 2025 Group F clash in Morocco, earning the Man of the Match award.
The defending champions were stunned early when Guélor Kanga struck in the 11th minute, before Denis Bouanga doubled Gabon’s lead on 21 minutes, leaving the Elephants with a mountain to climb. Côte d’Ivoire gradually settled, and their response began just before halftime as Jean‑Philippe Krasso halved the deficit in the 44th minute after a smart attacking move.
After the break, Oulai’s influence grew in midfield as the Elephants pushed Gabon deeper, with his composure and ball progression helping to sustain pressure high up the pitch. The equaliser arrived in the 84th minute through Evann Guessand from a Christopher Opéri cross, setting up a breathless finale.
In stoppage time, Bazoumana Touré completed the comeback with a 90+1st‑minute header, sealing top spot in Group F for Côte d’Ivoire. Oulai’s all‑action display, combining work rate, passing quality, and leadership, underpinned the turnaround and rightly earned him the Man of the Match honour.
