AFCON: Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique advance to last 16

Ivory Coast 3-2 Gabon

Ivory Coast showed their champion mentality with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Gabon in Marrakech on Wednesday, sealing top spot in Group F at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Already eliminated, Gabon stunned the holders by racing into a 2-0 lead inside 21 minutes. Guelor Kanga scored from the rebound after Alban Lafont spilled a shot, before Denis Bouanga struck a superb first-time effort into the bottom corner. Heavy rotation by Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé appeared to have backfired as the Elephants struggled to settle.

The reigning champions responded before halftime when Wilfried Zaha created space down the flank and squared for Jean-Philippe Krasso to finish from close range. Ivory Coast pressed harder after the break, introducing Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande as they searched for a decisive response, while Gabon missed chances to put the game beyond reach.

Substitute Evann Guessand finally drew Ivory Coast level in the 84th minute with a towering header from Christopher Operi's delivery, setting up a frantic finish. Deep into stoppage time, Operi again provided the assist as Bazoumana Toure headed home the winner to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The victory saw Ivory Coast finish top of Group F on seven points, ahead of Cameroon on goal difference after the Indomitable Lions beat Mozambique 2-1. Ivory Coast will face Burkina Faso in the Round of 16, while Cameroon are set to meet South Africa, with Mozambique also advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

Cameroon 2-1 Mozambique

Cameroon booked their place in the AFCON last 16 with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Mozambique in Agadir, a result that also saw the Mambas progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

The Indomitable Lions started brightly and created early chances through Christian Kofane and Danny Namaso, but it was Mozambique who struck first when Geny Catamo curled a superb long-range effort into the bottom corner. Cameroon responded quickly, drawing level five minutes later after Frank Magri hit the post and Nene turned the rebound into his own net.

Cameroon took control after the break and completed the turnaround in the 55th minute, with Kofane thundering a long-range strike in off the underside of the bar. Despite missing chances to extend their lead, including a late opportunity for Karl Etta Eyong, Cameroon held on as Mozambique went close through Joao Bonde.

The win confirmed Cameroon's progression, though they finished second in Group F after Ivory Coast's late victory over Gabon, while Mozambique advanced despite the defeat.

READ MORE: AFCON: Burkina Faso seal second place in Group E after seeing off Sudan