By Kunle Solaja.
Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, promises fireworks from the outset as three former African champions — Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Gabon — are drawn together with ambitious Mozambique in one of the tournament’s most demanding groups.
Matches in Group F will be staged across Marrakech and Agadir, with several fixtures carrying knockout-round intensity despite being played at the group stage.
Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)
- Dec 24 (17:00) – Marrakech: Côte d’Ivoire v Mozambique
- Dec 24 (19:30) – Agadir: Cameroon v Gabon
- Dec 28 (17:00) – Marrakech: Cameroon v Côte d’Ivoire
- Dec 28 (19:30) – Agadir: Gabon v Mozambique
- Dec 31 (19:30) – Marrakech: Gabon v Côte d’Ivoire
- Dec 31 (19:30) – Agadir: Cameroon v Mozambique
Côte d’Ivoire: Champions with Depth and Belief
Côte d’Ivoire arrive in Morocco as the most recent winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, having lifted the trophy in 2023 to add to earlier triumphs in 1992 and 2015. Ranked 42nd in the world, the Elephants are making their 25th appearance at the finals.
Under coach Emerse Faé, the Ivorians boast one of the most balanced squads in the competition. The midfield is powered by proven performers such as Franck Kessié, Seko Fofana and Ibrahim Sangaré, while the defence features European-based stalwarts including Evan Ndicka, Odilon Kossounou and Willy Boly.
Up front, the blend of experience and flair is evident in the presence of Sébastien Haller, Wilfried Zaha and Manchester United winger Amad Diallo. Côte d’Ivoire will be expected to set the pace in Group F.
Cameroon: Indomitable Lions Seeking a Return to the Summit
Five-time African champions Cameroon remain one of the continent’s most feared names despite recent inconsistency. Ranked 57th globally, the Indomitable Lions qualified by topping their group ahead of Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia.
Coach David Pagou has assembled a squad that mixes emerging talent with seasoned internationals. Midfield dynamo Carlos Baleba and versatile attacker Bryan Mbeumo provide energy and creativity, while defenders such as Nouhou Tolo and Christopher Wooh offer physical presence.
Cameroon’s clash with Côte d’Ivoire in Marrakech is likely to be one of the defining matches of the group.
Gabon: Experience, Firepower and a Familiar Star
Gabon return to the AFCON finals for the ninth time, aiming to better their previous quarter-final finishes in 1996 and 2012. Ranked 78th in the world, the Panthers qualified behind hosts Morocco in their group.
Much of Gabon’s attacking hope rests on the shoulders of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, supported by fellow forwards Denis Bouanga and Jim Allevinah. The midfield features experience in Mario Lemina and Didier Ndong, while the defence is anchored by long-serving internationals Bruno Ecuele Manga and Aaron Appindangoye.
Gabon’s opening match against Cameroon could determine their prospects of advancing.
Mozambique: Underdogs with Momentum
Mozambique completes Group F as underdogs but arrives with growing confidence. Making their sixth AFCON appearance, the Mambas are ranked 102nd in the world and qualified behind Mali in their group.
Coached by Chiquinho Conde, Mozambique relies on cohesion and pace, with Sporting Lisbon winger Geny Catamo among their most dangerous attacking threats. Defenders such as Reinildo and veteran Mexer bring top-level experience, while the team’s compact style could make them awkward opponents.
Mozambique will be aiming to secure a first-ever knockout-stage appearance.
Group F Outlook
Group F stands out as one of AFCON 2025’s toughest sections. With three former champions and an improving outsider, every match carries significance.
Côte d’Ivoire’s championship pedigree, Cameroon’s physicality and tradition, Gabon’s attacking firepower, and Mozambique’s resilience ensure a fiercely contested group where margins will be slim and reputations tested.
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