Cameroon start their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations marketing campaign with a Group F conflict in opposition to Gabon on Wednesday on the Stade d’Agadir.
As soon as considered certainly one of African soccer’s dominant forces, the Indomitable Lions arrive in Morocco searching for to revive their standing on the continental stage, although their opening take a look at in opposition to an in-form Gabon facet is unlikely to be easy.
Cameroon come into the event on the again of a disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, lacking out regardless of holding the African file for World Cup appearances.
That setback has intensified stress on David Pagou’s facet, who will likely be keen to reply positively by navigating what’s extensively seen as a demanding group and mounting a deep run within the competitors.
The Indomitable Lions certified for AFCON 2025 by ending high of their qualifying group with out defeat, however issues stay round their attacking high quality, significantly after failing to attain in every of their last two aggressive matches.
Gabon arrive on the event carrying the label of darkish horses, aiming to surpass their earlier greatest AFCON finishes, which noticed them attain the quarter-finals in 1996 and 2012.
Regardless of sitting considerably decrease than Cameroon within the FIFA rankings, Thierry Mouyouma’s facet are in encouraging kind, having averted defeat in regulation time in six consecutive matches.
That run features a credible 1-1 draw in opposition to Nigeria in World Cup qualifying, reinforcing their repute as a facet able to irritating extra fancied opponents.
Crew information for Cameroon v Gabon
Cameroon have reported no main harm issues and arrive with a full squad accessible, led by newly appointed captain Bryan Mbeumo.
The ahead is anticipated to shoulder a lot of the attacking duty within the absence of Aboubakar, whereas goalkeeper Devis Epassy is about to begin after Andre Onana was omitted from the squad.
Karl Etta Eyong might function prominently after a formidable breakthrough season in Spain, the place he has caught the attention along with his goalscoring kind.
Gabon will likely be with out captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the opening match after the ahead sustained an harm throughout his last membership look earlier than the event.
His absence locations added duty on Denis Bouanga, who loved an excellent season in Main League Soccer, whereas Mario Lemina’s expertise in midfield will likely be key in sustaining construction and management.
Anticipated line-ups for Cameroon v Gabon
Cameroon: Epassy; Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo; Onana, Baleba; Mbeumo, Dina Ebimbe, Nkoudou; Magri
Gabon: Mbaba; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Appindangoye, Ekomie; Ndong, Lemina; Bouanga, Kanga, Allevinah; Openda
The best way to watch Cameroon v Gabon: TV channel, on-line stream
Cameroon v Gabon kicks off on Wednesday at 8pm UK time. Within the UK, stay AFCON 2025 protection is on Channel 4. Within the USA, beIN Sports activities is the event broadcaster.
On-line stay streaming is out there on an unlimited vary of units by way of Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports activities app.
The stats for Cameroon v Gabon
• Cameroon failed to attain of their final two aggressive matches
• Cameroon topped their AFCON qualifying group unbeaten
• Gabon are making their ninth AFCON look
• Gabon haven’t misplaced in regulation time of their final six matches
• The final assembly between the edges resulted in a 0-0 draw
• Cameroon and Gabon have shared two wins every throughout their final 5 conferences
Prediction
Each side are more likely to method their opening fixture with some warning Given Cameroon’s current struggles in entrance of objective and Gabon’s disciplined construction, one other stalemate seems a robust chance in what may very well be a tense encounter in Agadir.
