Côte d'Ivoire top Group F after late comeback
Côte d’Ivoire fell 2-0 behind to Gabon after 21 minutes in Marrakech – but fought back late on to grab a 3-2 victory and first place in Group F.
Gabon, who were already out of the running for a last-16 place, looked set for a shock win after Guelor Kanga pounced on a rebound and Denis Bouanga scored with a fine first-time strike, but Wilfried Zaha set up Jean-Philippe Krasso to tap in just before half time gave the Ivorians hope.
The defending champions struggled in the second half until a raft of late changes, with Evann Guessand heading home in the 84th minute. Cameroon’s 2-1 win over Mozambique meant Côte d’Ivoire needed a winner to top the group, and they found it in stoppage time, teenager Bazoumana Touré heading home.
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That about wraps it up for tonight, and for 2025. Wherever you are, have a happy new year. And join me tomorrow for the first clockwatch of 2026. We go again!
