Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire are set to clash in a decisive match at the Grand Stade de Marrakech during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Each team approaches this final group stage encounter with distinct objectives in mind.
Match Objectives
Gabon, already eliminated from the tournament, seeks to conclude their campaign on a high note. They aim to deliver a performance that reflects their competitive spirit. In contrast, Côte d’Ivoire, the reigning African champions, is focused on securing the top position in their group.
Gabon’s Determination
- Head Coach: Thierry Mouyouma emphasizes the team’s readiness to compete.
- Players express a commitment to finish strong despite earlier disappointments.
Thierry Mouyouma stated, “We have one last match to play against Côte d’Ivoire. It is a special match, and we want to finish well.” Johann Obiang, a key player, added, “We want to play to win and finish this competition properly.”
Côte d’Ivoire’s Commitment
- Head Coach: Emerse Faé acknowledges the high expectations from fans.
- Players commit to maintaining focus and intensity in the match.
Emerse Faé commented, “We will play this match as if we were not yet qualified. There will be no calculations.” Diakité Oumar, a player for Côte d’Ivoire, noted, “Every team wants to beat Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon will want to finish with a good performance.”
Historical Context
| Matchups Since 1987 | Côte d’Ivoire Wins | Gabon Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 meetings | 6 | 3 | 2 |
Historically, Côte d’Ivoire holds a favorable position in their encounters, with 15 goals scored compared to Gabon’s 7. However, both teams are eager to perform well in this final match, aiming to leave a lasting impression on their supporters.
