Côte d’Ivoire surged from the brink to the summit of Group F on Wednesday night, completing a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Gabon that not only sealed qualification but also put the Elephants on a potential collision course with Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Trailing by two goals midway through the first half, the Ivorians showed resilience and depth to turn the contest around in Marrakech and reshape the knockout picture.
Gabon struck early through Guelor Kanga in the 11th minute after capitalising on a rebound inside the area. The Panthers doubled their advantage 10 minutes later when Denis Bouanga met a low cross with a composed left-footed finish that beat the goalkeeper. With Côte d’Ivoire wobbling, the momentum appeared firmly with Gabon.
The Elephants steadied themselves before the interval and found a lifeline in the 44th minute. Jean-Philippe Krasso reduced the deficit by finishing a low delivery from the left, injecting belief into a Côte d’Ivoire side that emerged sharper after the break. Sustained pressure followed as the group favourites pushed Gabon deeper, probing for an equaliser.
That breakthrough arrived late. In the 84th minute, Evan Guessand rose to meet a precise cross, his header clipping the left post before crossing the line to level the scores.
The turnaround was completed in stoppage time when Bazoumana Touré powered home another header at 90+1 minutes, sparking celebrations among the Ivory Coast bench and supporters.
The result lifted Côte d’Ivoire to the top of Group F on seven points, level with Cameroon but ahead on head-to-head considerations, with Mozambique also advancing.
The group outcome sharpened the knockout path, placing the Elephants in the Round of 16 against Burkina Faso in Marrakech.
Victory there would set up a quarter-final meeting with the winner of Egypt versus Benin, raising the prospect of a heavyweight clash between two continental giants.
