Gabon stun Côte d’Ivoire as Elephants struggle to recover at CAN 2025
What unfolded between Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire on this final night of Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 was one of those matches that instantly grabs attention. On paper, everything seemed set for the Elephants. Already qualified, chasing top spot, and full of experienced names, Côte d’Ivoire looked in control before kickoff. But football, as always, had other plans.
From the very start, Côte d’Ivoire were caught cold. Gabon played without fear, sitting compact and striking quickly in transition. The early warning signs were ignored, and soon they were punished. Gabon took the lead through a sharp move finished by Guelor Kanga, and before the Elephants could properly regroup, Denis Bouanga doubled the advantage. The Ivorians looked stunned, their defensive shape stretched and their confidence shaken. Even in possession, which heavily favored them, clarity and precision were missing.
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To their credit, the Elephants did not completely collapse. As the first half wore on, control of the ball was gradually re-established, and Franck Kessié began to dictate the tempo from midfield. Wilfried Zaha tried to inject urgency on the wings, often finding himself isolated but still dangerous. Just before the break, that pressure finally paid off. Jean-Philippe Krasso reduced the deficit with a well-worked goal, giving Côte d’Ivoire a lifeline and some belief heading into halftime.
The second half was played with far more intensity. Côte d’Ivoire pushed higher, committed more players forward, and clearly wanted to turn the match around. However, Gabon remained disciplined and dangerous on the counter. Several clear chances were created by the Panthers, and it could easily have been a wider scoreline. The Ivorians had moments, but decision-making in the final third let them down, and the finishing lacked conviction.
As the clock ticked down, frustration crept in. Fouls increased, the rhythm was broken, and substitutions were made in search of a spark. Zaha and Kessié were eventually withdrawn, a clear sign that urgency had turned into desperation. Despite controlling possession and matching Gabon in shots on target, Côte d’Ivoire could not find the equalizer.
When the final whistle blew, Gabon had secured a memorable 2–1 victory. For Côte d’Ivoire, it was a sobering reminder that qualification does not guarantee dominance. The Elephants were shaken, but not eliminated, and lessons were clearly delivered the hard way. As the knockout stage approaches, this match may well serve as a warning that sharper focus and greater impact in the final third will be demanded if they hope to go far in this tournament.
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