AFCON: Ivory Coast win group with remarkable comeback

Reigning champions Ivory Coast staged a spectacular comeback to win Group F at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 3-2 victory against already eliminated Gabon on Wednesday in Marrakech, Morocco.

Guelor Kanga opened the scoring for the Panthers before Denis Bouanga’s excellent strike put Gabon ahead by two goals. However, three unanswered goals saw the Elephants stampede back to preserve their status as group leaders ahead of runners-up Cameroon after Bazoumana Touré headed in a stoppage time winner.

With top spot in the group still at stake, Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé made an interesting decision to rotate the majority of his squad. The choice nearly backfired on Faé, who saw his team fall behind in the 11th minute when reserve goalkeeper Alban Lafont spilled a weak shot to allow Kanga to finish from the rebound.

But there was nothing Lafont could do in the 21st minute when the Panthers doubled their advantage. Gabon midfielder André Biyogo Poko made an enterprising run to the corner of the penalty area and his attempt at a cross was deflected to Bouanga on the opposite wing. The Los Angeles FC star struck a perfect, low first-time shot past Lafont for his first goal of the competition.

Jean-Philippe Krasso pulled a goal back for the Elephants on his 2025 Africa Cup of Nations debut when the striker finished from Wilfried Zaha’s cross just before halftime.

Despite the second half introductions of young stars Amad Diallo and Yan Diomandé, the Ivorians appeared to be destined to miss out on a needed victory. However, a late equalizer from substitute Evann Guessand’s header created suspense heading into stoppage time and it was Christopher Operi’s cross that found Touré for a bouncing header past Panthers keeper François Bekale.

Ivory Coast finish as Group F winners and the Elephants will now prepare for Burkina Faso in an enticing Round of 16 clash on January 6 in Marrakech.