Gabon is preparing for a challenging campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with high ambitions and a clear objective.
Drawn into Group F alongside continental heavyweights Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, as well as Mozambique, the Panthers are determined to make a deep run in the competition.
Despite facing tough opposition, Gabon’s Minister of Sports, Patrick Babera Isaac, has set a minimum target for the team—a place in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, team captain Bruno Ecuele Manga believes reaching the semi-finals is a realistic goal.
Confidence in a promising squad
Expressing his confidence in the national team, Minister Isaac remains optimistic about their chances in Morocco.
i am not worried. Of course, our opponents are among the great nations of the continent, but we have a young, dynamic and ambitious team, with technical and offensive qualities, which can go far in this competition.
We are aiming at least for the quarter-finals,” he stated.
His comments reflect the growing belief within Gabonese football that the current squad has the potential to challenge some of Africa’s best teams.
The Panthers have a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents who will be looking to make their mark on the tournament.
High expectations for coach Thierry Mouyouma
With such ambitions comes increased pressure on head coach Thierry Mouyouma and his technical staff.
Having guided the team through a competitive qualification campaign, Mouyouma now faces the challenge of preparing his squad to compete at the highest level against more established opponents.
The road ahead will not be easy. Gabon’s first match in the tournament will be a high-stakes encounter against Cameroon on December 24, 2025, at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco.
The fixture is expected to be a crucial test for the Panthers, as a strong start could significantly boost their chances of progressing from the group stage.
Aiming for history
Gabon has never won the Africa Cup of Nations, and their best-ever finish came in 1996 and 2012 when they reached the quarter-finals.
The upcoming edition presents an opportunity for the team to rewrite history and establish itself as a serious contender on the continental stage.
With a mix of confidence from the country’s leadership, high expectations from supporters, and the challenge of facing some of Africa’s most successful teams, Gabon’s AFCON 2025 campaign promises to be a defining moment for the nation’s footballing ambitions.
