Africa Cup Of Nations | Wednesday December 24 | Group F
- Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
- Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique
It took just one moment of quality for both Cameroon and Ivory Coast to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns on a winning note, with the two heavyweights edging tight 1–0 victories to seize early control of Group F on Wednesday in Morocco.
In Agadir, five time champions Cameroon struck early and held firm to beat neighbours Gabon, while earlier in Marrakech, holders Ivory Coast did just enough to see off a stubborn Mozambique side by the same scoreline.
Cameroon’s win was settled inside six minutes. Spain based forward Karl Etta Eyong finished coolly after Bryan Mbeumo split the Gabon defence, slipping the ball between goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba’s legs.
A brief VAR check delayed the celebrations, but the goal stood and proved decisive.
The breakthrough eased pressure on the Indomitable Lions, who were keen to rewrite history after failing to beat Gabon in their previous AFCON meetings.
It also marked a new era under coach David Pagou, who made bold calls by leaving out André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar and handing the armband to Nouhou Tolo under a shared captaincy system.
Gabon responded with intent, especially after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was introduced despite fitness concerns, alongside in-form Denis Bouanga.
But Cameroon remained composed, controlling the tempo and limiting clear chances to secure a narrow yet significant victory.
Earlier, Ivory Coast opened their title defence with a measured performance against Mozambique.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo made the difference four minutes after the restart, guiding home a tidy side footed finish to break the deadlock.
Under Emerse Faé, the Elephants were calm and organised, showing the discipline that carried them to AFCON glory two years ago.
They rarely overcommitted, doing enough at both ends to claim three points. For Mozambique, the loss leaves little margin for error as they chase a first ever knockout spot.
With both Cameroon and Ivory Coast level on three points, Group F now builds towards a highly anticipated showdown on Sunday night in Marrakech.
Before that, Mozambique and Gabon meet in Agadir knowing defeat could all but end their tournament hopes.
Current Standing | Group F
