Sabasports Match Preview
Africa Cup: Gabon vs Ivory Coast
Kickoff Time: 2026-1-1 3:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Phil Noble
Gabon lost 2-3 to Mozambique in their last round, suffering their second consecutive defeat in the group stage, currently sitting at the bottom of the group and on the brink of elimination. Under the Africa Cup group stage format, two consecutive losses almost equate to being eliminated early. Even though Gabon could still aim to qualify as one of the “best four third-placed teams,” they have yet to earn a point and have a goal difference of -2, making it extremely difficult to compete favorably against other groups.
Gabon’s star player is undoubtedly Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who plays for Ligue 1 club Marseille. He started in the last group match and scored the team’s first goal. However, Gabon relies too heavily on Aubameyang’s individual skills and breakthroughs down the flanks; once opponents implement a double-team against him, the team’s attack stagnates.
Ivory Coast drew 1-1 with Cameroon in their last match, obtaining 1 win and 1 draw from two group matches, also totaling 4 points, leading Mozambique by just 1 point. The suspense of advancing from the group will go down to the final round. The Ivory Coast squad includes several stars playing in the top five leagues, with Amad Diallo of Manchester United being the standout player. Diallo’s role on the right is the tactical core of Ivory Coast; his cutting-in shots or through passes are the team’s most threatening offensive initiatives. Additionally, Amad Diallo has scored in both group matches, showing excellent form.
In terms of competitive state and overall strength, Ivory Coast is clearly superior to Gabon. Furthermore, Gabon has only recorded 1 draw and 1 loss in their last two encounters with Ivory Coast, failing to score during these matches and having a disadvantage in head-to-head records. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect the stable-performing Ivory Coast to secure all three points.
Gabon’s Last 5 Games: LLDWW
25-12-28: Gabon 2-3 Mozambique
25-12-25: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
25-11-14: Nigeria 1-1 Gabon (AET 4-1)
25-10-15: Gabon 2-0 Burundi
25-10-10: Gambia 3-4 Gabon
Ivory Coast’s Last 5 Games: DWWLW
25-12-29: Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon
25-12-25: Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique
25-11-18: Oman 0-2 Ivory Coast
25-11-15: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Ivory Coast
25-10-15: Ivory Coast 3-0 Kenya
Head-To-Head Record
25-09-10: Gabon 0-0 Ivory Coast
24-06-08: Ivory Coast 1-0 Gabon
17-09-06: Ivory Coast 1-2 Gabon
17-09-02: Gabon 0-3 Ivory Coast
16-06-05: Ivory Coast 2-1 Gabon
Prediction: Ivory Coast wins away