- Here is Cameroon vs Gabon prediction article which provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks day four of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 11:00 PM EAT / 9:00 PM local time at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Five-time Africa champions Cameroon will commence their campaign for a sixth title when they face a formidable Gabon side on Wednesday night in the Africa Cup of Nations Group F opener in Agadir.
The Indomitable Lions will be seeking to reclaim the trophy they last won eight years ago in 2017, while also reasserting their status as a powerhouse in the competition.
They hope to redeem themselves and secure the title as consolation for their heartbreak earlier this year, when they failed to qualify for their ninth World Cup after a devastating playoff loss to Cape Verde- an emerging side whose victory was a significant blow.
ALSO READ: Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) – Groups, Fixtures, Players, Previews, All Teams and Latest News
Furthermore, the once-proud football nation has been on a decline, and since their elimination from World Cup qualification, there has been persistent tension between the national team and the country’s football federation.
Just days ago, manager Marc Brys was dismissed by federation president Samuel Eto’o, after the Belgian submitted a controversial squad for this tournament- a decision that may have disrupted the team’s preparation for this continental showcase.
Veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar and goalkeeper André Onana were notably omitted from the final squad.
For Gabon, they may be ranked considerably below Cameroon, but based on recent performances, they are also a respectable side on paper in this tournament, where they are no strangers, making their ninth appearance.
Much like their opponents, the Panthers carry their own heartache, having been eliminated from next year’s World Cup qualification after losing to Nigeria in the semifinal playoffs.
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME
Thierry Mouyouma’s men missed the last edition, with their most recent participation in 2021, and they will aim to replicate their best performances, having reached the quarter-finals twice in 1996 and 2012.
Here are the key details for the Cameroon vs Gabon AFCON Group F clash on Wednesday night, along with some betting tips for your wager at SportPesa, which offers better odds and instant payouts.
What time does Cameroon vs Gabon kick off?
The match will be played on Wednesday, December 24, at the Adrar Stadium, with kickoff set for 11:00 PM EAT / 9:00 PM local time.
ALSO READ: Semenyo, Onana lead contingent of stars set to miss AFCON 2025 in Morocco
Cameroon vs Gabon team news
The Marc Brys squad excluded several key players, including captain Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar, who scored eight goals during the 2022 AFCON.
Also absent are Jackson Tchatchoua, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Collins Fai, Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting- all left out, leaving the manager with limited options.
Nevertheless, the Indomitable Lions still possess a deep squad with key stars led by Manchester United’s Bryne Mbeumo, who is expected to lead the attack alongside players like Carlos Baleba.
Forward Karl Toko Ekambi, who has scored six La Liga goals for bottom-side Levante this season, is also included.
SportPesa odds over 2.5 @ odds 2.50
Gabon’s captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is their talisman, but he will miss the opening game after picking up a knock in his final match for Marseille.
All eyes will instead be on Denis Bouanga, one of the best players in Major League Soccer, with 101 goals in 154 appearances for LAFC.
Mario Lemina’s vast experience in France and England will be invaluable to Mouyouma’s team as they hope to progress from Group F.
ALSO READ: Five AFCON 2025 powerhouses set to dominate Africa’s grand football showpiece in Morocco
Cameroon vs Gabon possible lineup
- Cameroon: Epassy; Tchamadeu, Wooh, Boyomo, Nouhou; Baleba, Jean Onana, Mbeumo, Nkoudou; Bassogog, Ekambi.
- Gabon: Mbaba; Oyono, Appindangoyé, Ecuélé Manga, Obiang; Ndong, Kanga, Poko; Babicka, Bouanga, Aubameyang.
Cameroon vs Gabon head-to-head record & current form
These two sides will meet for a third time at the AFCON finals, having previously faced off in 2010 and 2017, with Gabon avoiding defeat on both occasions.
Gabon defeated Cameroon 1-0 in their 2010 opener, before the teams played out a goalless draw in the final group game of the 2017 edition.
In all competitions, they have met 25 times, with Cameroon dominant with 12 wins compared to Gabon’s three, while they have drawn 10 times.
Current form in all competitions
- Cameroon: DWLWDL
- Gabon: WWDWWL
SportPesa odds over 2.5 @ odds 2.50
Cameroon vs Gabon prediction and betting tips
Cameroon are yet to score against Gabon in AFCON competition. Despite this, it was Cameroon who progressed from the group stage on both occasions, while Gabon were eliminated.
Cameroon have won their opening matches in 2019 and 2021 after a four-tournament winless run.
They drew 1-1 with Guinea in their opener at AFCON 2023. Since 2015, they have lost just one of their last 12 AFCON group games but have conceded in each of their last six AFCON group matches.
Gabon, meanwhile, have won their AFCON opener four times, drawn once, and lost three.
They are unbeaten in opening matches at their last five AFCON appearances (2010–2021) and have never been involved in a 0-0 draw in an AFCON opener, having scored in seven of their eight opening games.
On paper, Cameroon are the favorites to win this contest, but Gabon’s recent form and historical results suggest the Panthers will present a stubborn challenge on Wednesday.
The outcome could go either way, but fans should expect a thrilling encounter.