The Africa Cup of Nations group stage is set for a dramatic finale as Gabon and Ivory Coast square off at Stade de Marrakech on December 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET. For both teams, but especially for Gabon, the stakes could not be higher. With Group F’s fate hanging in the balance, every pass, tackle, and shot in this match could spell the difference between heartbreak and triumph.
Let’s set the stage: Ivory Coast, the defending champions and one of the tournament’s favorites alongside Morocco and Senegal, currently lead Group F with four points. They opened their campaign with a gritty 1-0 win over Mozambique before battling Cameroon to a 1-1 draw on December 26. The Elephants, under the guidance of coach Emerse Fae, are stacked with talent, including Manchester United’s rising star Amad Diallo, seasoned midfielder Franck Kessié, and the ever-dangerous Wilfried Zaha. Their squad boasts six starters from Europe’s top five leagues, a testament to their depth and international pedigree.
In stark contrast, Gabon enters the fray in last place, having suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Cameroon and a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to Mozambique. The Panthers, led by the prolific Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and supported by dynamic talents like Mario Lemina and Denis Bouanga, have yet to register a point. Their only lifeline is a victory against Ivory Coast, coupled with a favorable outcome in the simultaneous Cameroon versus Mozambique clash—a tall order, but not impossible.
For fans eager to catch every moment, there’s good news: the match will be broadcast live in the United States on beIN SPORTS, Fanatiz USA, fuboTV, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT. Canadian viewers can tune in via beIN Sports Canada, beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, fuboTV Canada, and Fanatiz Canada. In the UK, Channel 4 and 4seven will provide live coverage, with the added bonus of free streaming on Channel 4 for those using a VPN service like ExpressVPN. As Mashable notes, "Live stream Gabon vs. Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN."
Predicted lineups reflect the urgency and quality on display. Gabon is expected to start Mwanza in goal, with a defensive line of Onfia, Moucketou-Moussounda, Lemina, and Ekomie. The midfield will likely feature Kanga and N’Dong, while the attack will be spearheaded by Babicka, Poko, Bouanga, and, of course, Aubameyang. For Ivory Coast, Yahia Fofana is set to guard the net, shielded by defenders Doue, Koussounou, Ndicka, and Konan. The midfield trio of Kessié, Sangare, and S. Fofana will look to control the tempo, while Diallo, Bayo, and Zaha lead the charge up front.
The permutations for progression are as complex as they are thrilling. For Ivory Coast, a draw is enough to guarantee a top-two finish and safe passage to the Round of 16. Even with a loss, their four-point haul puts them in a strong position to advance as one of the tournament’s four best third-placed teams. If the Elephants win, they’ll top the group and face the Group E runner-up—either Burkina Faso or Sudan. Should they finish second, a high-stakes encounter with South Africa awaits. The pressure is slightly less intense for the Ivorians, but they know that finishing third could complicate their path to another AFCON crown.
Gabon, on the other hand, is staring down the barrel of elimination. Only a win will keep their hopes alive, and even then, they’ll need Cameroon to avoid defeat against Mozambique. If Mozambique draws or wins, Gabon’s journey ends here, regardless of their own heroics. It’s a scenario that adds a layer of drama to every minute, every shot, and every save.
Ivory Coast’s form has been solid, if not spectacular. They’ve scored just one goal per match so far, both courtesy of Amad Diallo, whose performances have delighted Manchester United fans and neutrals alike. His viral chip against Cameroon showcased the flair and composure that make him a rising star. Yet, for all their attacking talent, the Elephants have struggled to convert chances, with Kessié, Zaha, and Bayo combining for just six shots on target from 22 attempts. Their defensive solidity, however, remains a hallmark—goalkeeper Yahia Fofana has conceded only one goal against African opponents since 2024, following a World Cup qualifying run in which Ivory Coast didn’t allow a single goal.
Gabon’s struggles have been both offensive and defensive. Against Mozambique, they created plenty of chances but were thwarted by an inspired goalkeeping display—Emani made eight saves from ten shots. Aubameyang has found the net once, with two of his four shots on target, and Lemina has also tested opposing keepers. But Bouanga, a consistent scorer in MLS, has yet to rediscover his clinical touch in this tournament. Defensively, Gabon has been porous, conceding early against Cameroon and shipping three to Mozambique, echoing their woes from World Cup qualifying when they allowed four to Nigeria.
The history between these teams adds another wrinkle. Placed in the same CAF World Cup qualifying group, Gabon managed a draw and a defeat against Ivory Coast, but neither match featured the in-form Amad Diallo. Now, with the Elephants at full strength, the advantage swings their way. As Griffin Wong observed, "The Elephants’ advantage over Gabon has only grown. Ivory Coast conceded a goal against an African opponent (scored by that opponent) since 2024, and unless Bouanga returns to form, that streak should extend into 2026."
Beyond the pitch, the match has captured attention for its accessibility. Fans worldwide can stream the action for free via Channel 4 with a VPN, making this high-stakes encounter one of the most widely available fixtures of the round. ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee and robust privacy features have made it a go-to for fans eager to bypass geo-restrictions and catch every moment live.
As the final whistle approaches, anticipation reaches fever pitch. Will Ivory Coast seal their place atop Group F, or can Gabon pull off a stunning upset and keep their AFCON dreams alive? With so much on the line and a constellation of stars on display, this is one match that promises drama, passion, and perhaps a few surprises. The fate of Group F—and the hopes of two proud footballing nations—will be decided on the pitch in Marrakech.
With both teams facing their moment of truth, all eyes will be glued to Stade de Marrakech. The outcome will shape the AFCON knockout rounds and could send shockwaves across the continent. For now, fans can only watch, wait, and wonder—who will rise, and who will fall?
