Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 campaign begins under immediate pressure as they face an in-form Gabon side in a demanding Group F opener that also includes holders Ivory Coast.
The Indomitable Lions arrive needing a statement after missing out on World Cup qualification, while recent inconsistency has raised questions around their reliability on the continental stage.
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The shock omission of Vincent Aboubakar adds intrigue, with Bryan Mbeumo handed the captaincy and expected to lead a reshaped attack.
Gabon, meanwhile, travel with confidence despite the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Denis Bouanga has been in prolific form at club level and remains the focal point of a side that has quietly built momentum, winning three of their last five matches.
Recent meetings between these sides have been tight and cagey, including a goalless draw at AFCON 2017, but Gabon’s attacking output has increased significantly over the past year.
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Cameroon’s defensive vulnerabilities, combined with Gabon’s pace and directness, suggest a more open contest than history alone might indicate.
With both teams aware of the stakes in a brutal group, this opener shapes as a defining early test — one where goals could arrive sooner than expected.
Photo: Eto Etu/Gallo Images
