Ivory Coast 3-2 Gabon: Evann Guessand and Toure seal dramatic AFCON comeback | OneFootball

Ivory Coast came from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win over Gabon in their final group fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday evening.

The Elephants made several changes to the side that started the 1-1 draw against Cameroon, and Gabon capitalised on that to seize control early on.

The Panthers got off to a dream start as Guelor Kanga put them ahead in the 11th minute, capitalising on goalkeeper Alban Lafont’s mistake.

Denis Bouanga doubled their lead in the 21st minute, picking out the bottom-right corner after a rebound fell into his path outside the penalty area.

Ivory Coast responded positively and nearly halved the deficit when Oumar Diakite received a pass from Franck Kessie, but his effort hit the right post.

Jean-Philippe Krasso pulled one back for the defending champions just before the stroke of halftime, scoring from close range.

Gabon upped the ante at the start of the second half, aiming to reclaim their two-goal lead.

Clench Loufilou’s effort flashed just wide of the top-right corner. Teddy Averlant then missed a chance to score after a fast break, smashing his effort high.

Ivory Coast took control after the hour mark and pushed for the equaliser. Substitute Christ Inao Oulai sent two efforts over, and Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand dragged an effort wide.

Guessand levelled the scores for the Elephants, glancing an header into the bottom corner.

In stoppage time, Bazoumana Toure netted the winning goal for Ivory Coast, reacting well to place a close-range header beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.

The result sees the Elephants finish top of Group F with seven points and will now face Burkina Faso in the round of 16 at Marrakesh Stadium next Tuesday.