(Analysis, Prediction) – The clash between Gabon and the Ivory Coast in Round 3 of AFCON 2025 is predicted to favour the more experienced team. While Gabon plays openly but lacks consistency, the Ivory Coast, with its balance between attack and defence, is likely to control the game and aim for a convincing victory.
Gabon vs Ivory Coast Prediction
2:00 AM, January 1, 2026, Round 3 AFCON 2025
Predictions about the course of the match: Gabon vs Ivory Coast
The encounter between Gabon and the Ivory Coast in Round 3 of AFCON 2025 promises to be exciting. One side needs points to rectify past mistakes, while the other possesses the class and character of a continental powerhouse.
Gabon enters this match feeling somewhat uncomfortable after their 2-3 defeat against Mozambique. Despite the loss, Gabon’s performance wasn’t bad at all, as they controlled possession for 57%, took 16 shots, and had 10 on target. Their biggest star, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, continued to demonstrate his leadership with a goal, while Gabon’s attack maintained a certain level of sharpness.
However, Gabon’s biggest problem lies in its shaky defence. Conceding three goals against Mozambique shows their vulnerability when opponents accelerate and exploit the space behind them. Although Gabon’s recent matches have often been high-scoring (averaging more than three goals per game), this open style makes it difficult for them to achieve favourable results against strong opponents.
Conversely, the Ivory Coast continued to show the image of a great team despite only drawing 1-1 against Cameroon. They had slightly more possession, played disciplined football, and demonstrated effectiveness in their organisation. Despite not having many shots on target, the Ivory Coast still knows how to make a difference thanks to their superior personnel quality.
Ivory Coast’s outstanding strength lies in its solid defence. In their last six matches, they have kept a clean sheet in 5 of them, conceding only two goals, while their attack has scored 14 goals. The balance between attack and defence allows the Ivory Coast to always maintain the initiative against any opponent.
The last encounter between the two teams took place in the African World Cup qualifiers in September 2025 and ended in a 0-0 draw. However, the current context is different. Ivory Coast possesses a deeper squad, while Gabon is forced to play offensively to seek points.
With good ball control, effective pressing, and superior individual quality, the Ivory Coast is expected to dominate the game and create many dangerous opportunities. Gabon can capitalise on mistakes to score, but stopping the opponent’s relentless attack is no easy task.
Gabon might score a consolation goal thanks to their open style of play and individual brilliance, but overall, the Ivory Coast is still on a higher level.
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Gabon vs Ivory Coast Prediction all Betting
Over/under Prediction
In Gabon’s last five matches, a total of 20 goals have been scored (an average of 4 goals per game), while Ivory Coast has scored nine goals (an average of 1.8 goals per game).
Looking at the last five head-to-head matches between the two teams, only a total of 12 goals have been scored (an average of 3 goals per game). Based on these statistics, the likelihood of more than 3 goals in this match is very high.
Corner Kick Prediction Gabon vs Ivory Coast
In their last five matches, Gabon had a total of 56 corner kicks (an average of 11.2 per match). Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast had 37 (an average of 7.4 per match).
In the last five head-to-head encounters between Gabon and the Ivory Coast, there were a total of 49 corner kicks (an average of 9.8 per match). Therefore, this match is likely to have more than nine corner kicks.
Yellow Card Prediction Gabon vs Ivory Coast
In their last five matches, Gabon received 21 yellow cards (an average of 4.2 cards per match), while Ivory Coast received 12 yellow cards (an average of 2.4 cards per match).
In their most recent head-to-head match, both teams received a total of 2 yellow cards (an average of 2 cards per match). Therefore, the likelihood of this match having fewer than three yellow cards is quite high.
Gabon vs Ivory Coast Score Prediction
- Gabon 1-2 Ivory Coast
Gabon vs Ivory Coast Team News
- Gabon: Full squad available.
- Ivory Coast: Sebastien Haller is injured.
Predicted Lineups Gabon vs Ivory Coast
- Gabon: Mbaba (GK), Ekomie, Moussounda, Mâng, Oyono, Averlant, Poko, Ndong, Owaga, Bouanga, Bocoum.
- Ivory Coast: Fofana (GK), Doue, Kossounou, N’Dicka, Konan, Kessie, Seri, Sangare, Amad, Zaha, Diomande.
Form & Head-to-Head History
- Gabon’s Form: In their last five matches, Gabon won 2 and lost 3. They scored nine goals and conceded 11.
- Ivory Coast’s form: In their last five matches, Ivory Coast won 3, drew 1, and lost 1. They scored seven goals and conceded 2.
- Head-to-head history: In their last five matches, Gabon won 1, lost 1, and lost 3. Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast won 3, drew 1, and lost 1.
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