Cameroon vs Gabon face off in a highly anticipated AFCON 2025 Group F clash in Agadir, a fixture that carries both regional pride and crucial importance in the group stage. Cameroon enters the tournament with mixed recent form, despite being one of Africa’s most decorated nations.
Their performances in recent international windows have been inconsistent, marked by tactical changes and off-field uncertainty. Despite this, the Indomitable Lions still boast a squad packed with physicality, pace, and individual quality capable of deciding tight matches.
Gabon, meanwhile, have quietly built a reputation as a disciplined and resilient side in recent years. They impressed during qualification with a compact defensive setup and effective counterattacking approach, often relying on experience rather than flair.
Although Gabon have struggled historically against Cameroon, recent meetings between the two sides have been far closer than expected, with margins often decided by single goals or set-piece moments.
With both teams knowing that a strong start is vital in a competitive group, this encounter promises intensity, caution, and a tactical battle from the opening whistle.
Cameroon and Gabon have failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but both still hold on to their dreams of winning the 2025 AFCON edition.
Cameroon vs Gabon – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Cameroon begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F campaign against regional rivals Gabon in Agadir. Cameroon arrive amid off-field turmoil and some big selection calls, while Gabon travel with experience in attack but have a late injury worry to contend with. Expect a tense, low-scoring regional derby where one moment — a set piece or counter — could decide it.
| Match | Cameroon vs Gabon — AFCON 2025 (Group F) |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 21:00 local / 20:00 GMT |
| Venue | Stade d’Agadir (Agadir) |
| Competition | CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 — Group F |
| All competitions Form | Cameroon: D W L W D L Gabon: W W D W W L |
Team News & Form
Cameroon (The Indomitable Lions)
The build-up has been unstable: Cameroon changed coaches shortly before the tournament and there were two competing squad lists published in the press. The federation ultimately named a squad under interim coach David Pagou, with some notable absences.
Goalkeeper André Onana and veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar were left out of the final list, while players such as Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba are in the squad. That selection uncertainty could affect team preparation.
- Key Squad News: Goalkeeper André Onana (Manchester United) remains the undisputed number one. The midfield will be marshaled by André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli), while Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) and veteran Vincent Aboubakar provide the goal threat. There are no major injury concerns reported from their pre-tournament camp.
- Player to Watch: Bryan Mbeumo. His pace and finishing have been electric in the Premier League, and he is expected to carry that form to the international stage.
- Recent Form: Solid. Unbeaten in their last five competitive fixtures, including vital World Cup qualifier wins.
Gabon (The Panthers)
Gabon named a veteran-led 28-man squad that includes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as captain on paper, but Reuters and the Gabon federation report he will miss the opening game with a thigh problem — a boost for Cameroon, at least temporarily.
Gabon still have experienced options (Mario Lemina, Denis Bouanga, Bruno Ecuele Manga) and will set up to be hard to break down.
- Key Squad News: The headline news is the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Despite being in the twilight of his career in the Saudi Pro League, he remains Gabon’s most potent weapon. Mario Lemina (Wolves) will be crucial in the midfield battle against Anguissa.
- Player to Watch: Denis Bouanga (LAFC). Coming off another prolific season in MLS, his speed and eye for goal make him the perfect foil for Aubameyang.
- Recent Form: Mixed. They qualified comfortably but have struggled for consistency in friendlies, notably a draw against Lesotho in November.
Cameroon vs Gabon Head-to-Head
Cameroon and Gabon have faced each other often in both friendlies and competitive matches. While Cameroon holds the stronger overall record, recent encounters have been closely contested, with Gabon managing to avoid defeat against them in past AFCON finals. The head-to-head history offers context, not a prediction.
| Total | Cameroon (W) | Gabon (W) | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Cameroon vs Gabon Probable Starting XI
Cameroon (4-3-3)
GK: André Onana
DEF: Jackson Tchatchoua, Christopher Wooh, Michael Ngadeu, Nouhou Tolo
MID: André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Carlos Baleba, Olivier Ntcham
ATT: Bryan Mbeumo, Vincent Aboubakar, Karl Toko Ekambi
Gabon (4-2-3-1)
GK: Loyce Mbaba
DEF: Anthony Oyono, Aaron Appindangoyé, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Johann Obiang
MID: Mario Lemina, Guélor Kanga
ATT: Jim Allevinah, Denis Bouanga, Shavy Babicka
FWD: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Cameroon vs Gabon Match Prediction
This derby is likely to be a physical and intense affair. Cameroon has the superior squad depth and midfield quality to control the game. Gabon’s threat on the counter-attack via Bouanga and Aubameyang cannot be ignored, but Cameroon’s defense, anchored by Onana, should be resolute enough.
The Indomitable Lions often start tournaments slowly, but their quality should see them edge this one.
- Prediction: Cameroon 2 – 1 Gabon
Where to watch Cameroon vs Gabon AFCON
- UK: Channel 4 (free-to-air AFCON coverage in the UK).
- USA: beIN Sports (often carries AFCON fixtures).
- Africa: SuperSport / local partners.