By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Ivory Coast showed resilience and championship pedigree as they overturned a two-goal deficit to claim a dramatic late victory over Gabon, a result that sealed top spot in the group and forced Cameroon to settle for second place.
First Half: Gabon Shock the Champions
Despite being without injured captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and having little at stake, Gabon stunned the defending champions with a blistering start..
The opening goal arrived in the 11th minute when Alban Lafont failed to hold Teddy Averlant’s angled drive from the right, allowing Guélor Kanga to react quickest and fire home the rebound.
Gabon doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later. Kanga was again involved, delivering a dangerous cross that deflected into the path of the unmarked Denis Bouanga, who curled a superb effort into the bottom-right corner.
Ivory Coast responded by increasing the tempo, and Oumar Diakité came agonisingly close when his effort struck the right post. Their pressure finally paid off on the stroke of half-time. Wilfried Zaha was left unmarked on the left flank and calmly squared for Jean-Philippe Krasso, who converted from close range to halve the deficit.
Second Half: Pressure Tells Late On
Gabon remained a threat after the restart, with Clench Loufilou and Teddy Averlant both firing narrowly over the bar, missed chances that would later prove costly.
Ivory Coast continued to dominate possession and territory, and their persistence was rewarded in the 84th minute. Christopher Operi’s precise delivery found Evann Guessand, who powered home a towering header to bring the scores level.
Just as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Ivory Coast struck the decisive blow. Toure outmuscled his marker to meet another Operi cross, flicking a header beyond François Bekale to complete a stunning comeback and secure all three points.
There was still time for further drama as Ousmane Diomande tapped into an empty net during stoppage time, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Group Implications
Ivory Coast’s late winner meant Cameroon finished second in the group on goals scored, despite coming from behind to defeat Mozambique 2-1 in their final match, with Christian Kofame netting the winner.
Data Debrief: Ivory Coast’s Quality Shines Through
Emerse Faé’s side underlined their superiority in the numbers, finishing with an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.79 compared to Gabon’s 0.87. Ivory Coast registered 21 shots in total, though only five were on target as Bekale was rarely seriously tested.
Christopher Operi was instrumental in the turnaround, providing both late assists while creating a game-high six chances and delivering 12 crosses.
For Gabon, the defeat confirmed a disappointing campaign, as they lost all three group matches for the first time since their opening three games in the competition between 1994 and 1996.
Line-ups
Gabon XI:
François Bekale; Mick Omfia, Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, Jérémy Oyono, Jacques Ekomié; André Poko, Ndong, Guélor Kanga; Teddy Averlant, Denis Bouanga, Lemina
Subs: Manga, Obiang, Aaron Appindangoyé, Malick Evouna, Clench Loufilou, Eric Bocoum, Anthony Oyono, Yannis M’Bemba, Shavy Babicka, Loyce Mbaba, Royce Openda, Samaké Nzé Bagnama, Edlin Randy Essang-Matouti, Anse Ngoubi Demba, Jonathan Do Marcolino
Côte d’Ivoire XI:
Alban Lafont; Emmanuel Agbadou, Ousmane Diomande, Armel Zohouri, Christopher Operi; Franck Kessié, Jean-Michaël Seri; Wilfried Zaha, Christ Inao Oulaï, Oumar Diakité; Jean-Philippe Krasso
Subs: Boly, Seko Fofana, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Ibrahim Sangaré, Ghislain Konan, Yahia Fofana, Evan N’Dicka, Evann Guessand, Odilon, Guéla Doué, Amad Diallo Traoré, Mohamed Koné, Bazoumana Touré, Yan Diomande
