The defending Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, Ivory Coast, recovered from a two-goal deficit to overcome Gabon in a five-goal thriller on Wednesday night. Gabon took the lead in the 11th minute through Guelor Kanga before Denis Bouanga made it 2-0, 10 minutes later, owing to poor defending by the Elephants. In the stroke of half-time, former Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha teed up Jean-Philippe Krasso, who did well to make it 2-1. Christopher Operi then assisted Evann Guessand, who found the back of the net to make it 2-2, before the former, once again, assisted Bazoumana Toure in the stoppages for the winner. The result ensured Ivory Coast topped Group F and will now face Burkina Faso in the Last 16 as Gabon crashed out without having claimed a single point.

Source: Daily Nation December 31, 2025 15:42 UTC