BETTING GUIDE: Gabon vs Ivory Coast, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 31.12.25. | 09:20
The Panthers play for pride after two defeats, while the Elephants (four points) seek a win to secure top spot and direct knockout qualification in this 'Group of Death'
Already-eliminated Gabon will face defending champions Ivory Coast in a Group F finale at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with kick-off at 8:00 pm local time.
The Panthers play for pride after two defeats, while the Elephants (four points) seek to secure top spot and direct knockout qualification in this 'Group of Death'.
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Gabon have crashed out after narrow losses to Cameroon (1-0) and Mozambique (3-2), conceding late in both.
Their last five matches show two wins and three losses, scoring nine goals but conceding 11, averaging 3.33 goals per game with 50% BTTS and over 2.5.
Bottom of the group with zero points and -2 goal difference, Gabon's neutral-venue form highlights attacking intent but defensive frailty, especially in second halves.
No major injuries reported, with coach Thierry Mouyouma likely sticking to a 4-3-3; captain Bruno Ecuele Manga could be dropped after errors, with Alex Moucketou-Moussounda partnering Mario Lemina.
Key players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (one goal, record 40 for Gabon) and Denis Bouanga will be aiming to bow out positively.
Ivory Coast sits top with four points after a 1-0 win over Mozambique and a 1-1 draw with Cameroon, conceding just once (an own goal).
Their last five competitive games have yielded four wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding two, averaging 2.67 goals per game with 67% under 2.5 and only 17% BTTS.
Unbeaten in over a year competitively, the Elephants' neutral form is rock-solid, allowing just four shots on target in 180 minutes.
Full squad available with no injuries or suspensions; Emerse Faé expected to retain 4-3-3.
Standouts include Amad Diallo (both tournament goals, four straight for club/country) and Franck Kessié (midfield anchor, nearing 99 caps), with options like Wilfried Zaha, Yan Diomande, and Vakoun Bayo rotating upfront.
Head-to-head favors Ivory Coast, unbeaten in the last four meetings (two wins, two draws), including clean sheets in three; recent games average 0.5 goals with 100% under 2.5.
Key pointers:
Ivory Coast have allowed only four shots on target across two matches.
Ivory Coast have kept clean sheets in seven of their last nine games.
Gabon have failed to score in their last two competitive meetings with Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast have four wins in their last six matches, conceding minimally.
Prediction; Ivory Coast win.
The Elephants' defensive solidity (just 0.5 conceded per game recently) should shut out a demotivated Gabon side lacking firepower against top opposition.
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling
Wednesday Fixtures and odds
19.00: (6.00) Equatorial Guinea (3.60) Algeria (1.65)
19.00: (4.60) Sudan (3.35) Burkina Faso (1.87)
22.00: (6.00) Gabon (3.60) Ivory Coast (1.65)
22.00: (7.00) Mozambique (4.50) Cameroon (1.45)
*** Odds are subject to change***
