Mouyouma says Gabon must be ready at all levels during AFCON

Gabon national team head coach Thierry Mouyouma has shared his expectations during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Morocco in December.

The Panthers have been pooled in Group F alongside Cameroon, African champions Ivory Coast, and Mozambique.

“We are in a very good mental and physical state. Our players are competing with their clubs, and if the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations started today, I believe we would be emotionally ready,” said Mouyouma as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“We still need to fine-tune some details, because in major competitions, it is often these small adjustments that make the difference. We will face quality opponents, so we must be ready at all levels.”

Discussing Gabon’s group, he said: “It’s a very interesting group. In Africa, there is no good or bad draw: it all depends on the final result.

‘My objective is to secure qualification’

“With a team progressing mentally, technically, tactically, and physically, starting against Cameroon is an advantage. It will be a Central African derby. Then we face Mozambique. My objective is to secure qualification by the second match so that we can rotate the squad for the third game.”

He added: “Qualifiers are very different from a final tournament. We played six matches in three months, with long travels to Morocco, South Africa, and the Central African Republic… It was demanding.

“After an initial defeat, it required very strong organization and focus to bounce back. Qualification was essential, especially after our absence in 2023. The final tournament, with three closely scheduled matches (December 24, 28, and 31), requires a different mental and logistical approach.”

Gabon will start their campaign against the Indomitable Lions at Stade Adrar on December 24.