With Ivory Coast aiming to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 this week, the Elephants will now take on Gabon in their final Group F tie at Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday night.
Kick-off is at 9:00pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
As it stands, Ivory Coast occupy top spot in Group F following their 1-1 draw with Cameroon during matchday two.
Ivory Coast and Cameroon share an identical record of four points after two matches played, while a win against Gabon would secure their ticket into the next phase of the showpiece.
Gabon on the other hand, have already been eliminated from the AFCON following their 3-2 defeat against Mozambique at Stade Adrar on Sunday. The Panthers are fourth in Group F, with two losses from their opening set of fixtures.
The Elephants are in the running to claim their fourth AFCON title, while they remain one of the favourites this year as the reigning champions of African football.
WHAT WAS SAID
Reflecting on Ivory Coast’s campaign following their draw with Cameroon, the Elephants coach Emerse Fae believes that his side need to be more efficient in seeing out games.
"It's for matches like these that we love the CAN—a hard-fought contest. Both teams brought intensity, created chances, and no one shut the game down,” Fae said.
“A fair draw against a compact Cameroon side that challenged us tactically. I'm satisfied with the performance, with the result. My only regret from this match: we lacked a bit of guile after our goal.
“Instead of going after them, we should have slowed the tempo, let the clock run down, forced Cameroon to open up and expose space, and then taken advantage. We conceded their goal too soon.”
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Gabon: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang – At the age of 36, Aubameyang is showing little signs of slowing down. The experienced forward managed to get his name on the scoresheet during Gabon’s defeat against Mozambique, while he showcased his box IQ by popping up in dangerous goal scoring positions.
Ivory Coast: Amad Diallo – The Manchester United attacker has been a standout performer during the group stage of the AFCON and will head into their next game with goal scoring form on his side. With his direct running and trickery, Diallo will no doubt be one of Ivory Coast’s main attacking threats on Wednesday night.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 9
Gabon wins: 1
Ivory Coast wins: 5
Draws: 3