AFCON 2025: Champions Ivory Coast Set for Tough Group F Battle Against Gabon

High Stakes in Morocco

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will see defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face a challenging Group F campaign, where they’ll compete against Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. With five-time winners Cameroon among their challengers, this group promises high-stakes drama.

Tournament Context

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco for the second time since 1988. Due to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, this tournament will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026 – marking the first time the competition will be played over the Christmas and New Year period.

Team Preparations

The Elephants of Ivory Coast, managed by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), enter the tournament as defending champions, having won the trophy three times – in 1992, 2015, and most recently in 2024.

Gabon makes their return to the continental tournament after missing the 2023 edition, alongside teams like Comoros and Sudan. The competition will also see Benin and Uganda return after a nearly five-year absence.

Match Details

The defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign on December 24, 2025, against Mozambique at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Fresh from their victorious 2023 campaign, the Elephants are determined to start strong, though they’ll face teams eager to make their mark on the tournament.

Group Dynamics

The tournament will feature an exciting Central African derby when Cameroon faces Gabon at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. Both teams feature top players from Europe’s elite leagues, adding to the match’s anticipated intensity.