AFCON 2025 Preview: Group F

AFCON 2025 Preview: Group F

Ivory Coast celebrates their 2023 AFCON conquest. Photo: Confederation of African Football

AFCON 2025 Preview: Group F

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is upon us with kickoff in Morocco set for December 21! To conclude Pan-Africa Football’s preview of each group in the competition, we examine Group F which includes reigning AFCON champions Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique. Read more on each team below:

 

Ivory Coast

 

 

Introduction

 

After conquering the 2023 AFCON on home soil, it seems like the Ivorian team is not being counted among the favorites despite their status as defending champions. The Elephants stomped through an easy group to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and have not shown any concerning signs, but have struggled with attacking inconsistency under coach Emerse Faé.

The talent in the team remains undeniable with top superstars and plenty of potential. While stars like Franck Kessié will help Ivory Coast overcome weaker teams in Africa, the question with this group is whether this group will have the chemistry to operate at top gear when they get to the knockout stages where one mistake can lead to elimination.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances25
Best FinishChampions (1992, 2015, 2023)
Last Appearance2023- Champions

 

Key Players

 

Frank Kessié (Al Ahli [KSA])

 

The heart and soul of the team, Kessié remains an impressive gladiator in the heart of the midfield who has a high workrate along with the technical abilities to create for his teammates and score timely goals. In a midfield group that has plenty of experience and emerging talent, captain Kessié will provide the leadership and proven ability in important matches to elevate his teammates’ level. 

 

Evan Ndicka (AS Roma [ITA])

 

A modern defender with Italy’s AS Roma who combines impressive physical characteristics with impressive technical ability, French-born Ndicka’s decision to represent Ivory Coast in 2023 saw him launched into a prominent role on the 2023 squad that won the AFCON. Ndicka instantly became an important player with the Elephants and the 26-year-old is in the prime of his career after breaking out with German club Eintracht Frankfurt. The Ivorian defense is a strong point for the team and Ndicka is a major reason why.

 

Yan Diomandé (RB Leipzig [GER])

 

The winger/forward has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in European club football under the age of 20. With explosive dribbling and a sharp eye for goal at a young age, Diomandé is progressing into a star with Germany’s Red Bull Leipzig shortly after joining the club ahead of the current season. It will be interesting to see if Faé trusts the youngster from the beginning of the AFCON finals in Morocco, but recent signs suggest that the Elephants coach has plans for the 19-year-old to play an important role and boost an attack whose more experienced players have not performed to a satisfying level lately.

 

X-Factor

 

Amad Diallo (Manchester United [ENG])

 

After a large amount of hype when he was a teenager, Diallo’s elevation to the Ivory Coast senior team has been slow and gradual as he found his way at current club Manchester United following initial struggles. Similarly to Diomandé, the winger is an explosive talent with flamboyant dribbling ability and a deadly left foot that is growing more and more efficient. Now a full fledged contributor for United, this is the tournament where Diallo can establish himself as a star for the Elephants.

 

Cameroon

 

 

Introduction

Chaos is often an unwelcome characteristic of the Cameroon national team but recent times have been even more unpredictable than usual. Many off the pitch distractions characterized a failed 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and now, it appears that Cameroonian Football Federation president and legendary African player Samuel Eto’o is pulling all the strings.

After winning re-election for his position a few weeks ago, the players Eto’o had issues with like Andre Onana are out of the team with little-known coach David Pago revealing a much different squad from the World Cup qualifying team. Cameroon can never be counted out but it is close to impossible to endorse them for a good tournament this time around in Morocco due to decreasing talent and administrative disorder.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances21
Best FinishChampions (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)
Last Appearance2023- Round of 16

 

Key Players

 

Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United [ENG])

 

The Manchester United French-born forward continues to show his class since committing to play for the Indomitable Lions in 2022. Forward is a position where Cameroon has plenty of talent but there is no doubt that Mbeumo is the star of the show. Likely to operate in a wide forward or somewhat withdrawn role, the in form attacker will look to prove that he can set up teammates just as well as his well known scoring ability.

 

Carlos Baleba (Brighton [ENG])

 

A favorite of scouts and observers of African football after breaking into the setup at French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille during the 2022-23 season. Baleba adjusted well when he made his big transfer to English football with Brighton & Hove Albion but his recent form has suggested some signs of stagnation rather than an emergence to another level. The central midfielder, who is the subject of transfer rumors ahead of January, now has less experience around him with Cameroon and must thrive in an elevated role if the Indomitable Lions want to be successful in Morocco.

 

Karl Etta Eyong (Levante [ESP])

 

The 22-year-old forward currently at Spanish club Levante is getting his major opportunity in the XI for Cameroon but has failed to take it so far. One of Pagou’s main objectives will be to figure out how to utilize Etta Eyong’s talents, which have come to the forefront in Spain and saw him linked to elite clubs like FC Barcelona. With veteran forwards like Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Choupo-Moting exiled, it is indisputable that Etta Eyong will have a key role in Morocco which may elevate his performances with the Indomitable Lions.

 

X-Factor

 

Arthur Avom (Lorient [FRA])

 

A central midfielder who was elevated to a position in the XI for Cameroon during 2026 World Cup qualifying, the 20-year-old is rising rapidly with French club Lorient. After making his start in Cameroonian club football with Fauve Azur Elite, Avon was one of the best young players in France’s second tier Ligue 2 while leading Lorient to promotion to Ligue 1. He has continued his growth in Ligue 1 and is poised to play a key role in a formidable Cameroonian midfield.

 

Gabon

 

 

 

Introduction

 

The Panthers continue to rely on a rapidly aging core group and this tournament may very well be “The Last Dance” for several key players who will not be easily replaced. Gabon came close to qualifying for a World Cup for the first time in their history and appear to be optimizing their potential under coach and former national team player Thierry Mouyouma. 

Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and veteran defenders Andre Biyoko Poko and Bruno Ecuele Manga were on the 2012 team that achieved Gabon’s best-ever finish at the AFCON, a quarterfinal appearance. After failing to surpass that result under high expectations, these three veteran leaders will head the Panthers with a coach who has done well to integrate new players.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances8
Best FinishQuarterfinals (2012)
Last Appearance2021- Round of 16

Key Players

 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille [FRA])

 

The former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund star forward appeared ready to ride into the sunset with a nice payday in Saudi football, but his competitive hunger has brought him back to top level European club football. Now at Olympique Marseille in France, the 36-year-old is enjoying a career revival while displaying some of the sharpest form of his career. Long accused of not fulfilling the potential shown in 2012 with Gabon, Aubameyang likely has one last chance of leaving a legendary legacy in African football.

 

Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC [USA])

 

Another deadly goal scorer who is in peak form at the moment with Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. Bouanga has a similar reputation to Aubameyang: his statistics are impressive but lack impact on the big stage. The 31-year-old has yet to score in six appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations but he revitalized his national team career in 2026 World Cup qualifying and has had a period to rest before this AFCON in Morocco after an excellent MLS campaign that saw him come just shy of edging out Lionel Messi for the league’s top scorer honors.

 

Mario Lemina (Galatasaray [TUR])

 

Like some of Gabon’s other star veterans, Lemina has had disagreements with the Gabonese federation that has resulted in extended periods of absence with the Panthers. However, the central midfielder is an energetic and talented player when motivated and continues to contribute for top clubs in European club football. While Gabon has reliable experience at the forward and defender positions, Lemina is the most technically accomplished midfield player and his performances will be essential if the Panthers have a successful tournament.

 

X-Factor

 

Bruno Ecuele Manga (Paris 13 Atletico [FRA])

 

One of the three veterans on this team who helped lead Gabon to the quarterfinals of the 2012 edition, the powerful center back is still going strong at the age of 37 and is the captain. But Ecuele Manga, along with defender/defensive midfielder Andre Biyogo Poko, are the most susceptible players when it comes to showing their age and will be watched closely. After many years with French Ligue 1 clubs Dijon, Lorient and also Cardiff City in the English second tier, Ecuele Manga currently plays in the third tier of French football.

 

Mozambique

 

 

Introduction

 

A country known as the birthplace of legendary striker Eusebio, Mozambique continues to produce talent somewhat under the radar due to its status as one of Africa’s few Lusophone nations. The national team, known as the Mambas, continue to show potential but have yet to progress beyond the group stage at the AFCON. 

Led by former national team legend Chiquinho Conde, the task is no easier this time around in a difficult group. However, this team has an experienced defense and an attacking superstar in Geny Catamo along with an intriguing mix of European-based and local-based players that makes them capable of surprising.

 

AFCON Record

 

Appearances5
Best FinishGroup Stage (1986, 1996, 1998, 2010, 2023)
Last Appearance2023- Group Stage

 

Key Players

 

Geny Catamo (Sporting CP [POR])

 

A wide playmaker who enjoys operating on the right flank, Catamo is among the ultimate success stories from Mozambican football. Identified during his youth career at top local club Black Bulls, the now 23-year-old worked his way up from the Portuguese lower leagues to top Lisbon club Sporting CP where he is now a regular contributor. An excellent dribbler who loves to cut inside and use his magical left foot to score or break down defenses.

 

Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland [ENG])

 

A versatile defender who is tough as nails, Mandava made a major breakthrough in his club career with French club Lille after struggling for playing time with the reserve team of top Portuguese club Benfica. Now playing a significant role for English Premier League surprise package Sunderland, Mandava has played in the UEFA Champions League with Lille and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Will likely line up in the center of defense but is also comfortable at left fullback.

 

Bruno Langa (Pafos FC [CYP])

 

The tenacious left back is currently struggling on loan at Cypriot champions Pafos but is a major force when he dons the shirt of his national team. Enjoys making runs down the flank and contributing to the attack, where he is known for his powerful shot and incredible stamina. Like Geny Catamo, Langa developed at Black Bulls before moving to the Portuguese lower leagues with Amora during a period where the club had Mozambican ownership. Currently on loan at his current club from Spanish second tier side Almeria.

 

X-Factor

 

Ernan Siluane (Black Bulls [MOZ])

 

Mozambique will lean on their strong, experienced defense in Morocco. However, a strong defense may be meaningless if the goalkeeper does not perform well. Siluane now has plenty of experience with the Mambas in major tournaments but the Black Bulls shot stopper has mostly failed to impress. The 27-year-old is showing signs of positive development and was reliable in qualifying, making the AFCON a perfect opportunity for him to fulfill his potential.

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AFCON 2025 Preview
Cameroon
Gabon
Ivory Coast
Mozambique

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