Ivory Coast Roar Back to Seal Group Top Spot with Five-Goal Comeback
Ivory Coast produced one of the standout moments of the AFCON group stage after recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Gabon 3-2 and finish top of Group F in Morocco.
The defending champions looked in serious trouble early on, but a powerful second-half response turned the contest on its head and confirmed their place in the last 16, while Gabon exited the tournament without a point.
Gabon struck first in the 11th minute when Guelor Kanga punished hesitant defending, and the pressure told again ten minutes later as Denis Bouanga doubled the lead, leaving the Elephants stunned by their own lack of organisation at the back.
The momentum shifted just before the break. Wilfried Zaha delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box, and Jean-Philippe Krasso showed composure to pull one back in stoppage time, giving Ivory Coast belief heading into the interval.
The comeback mattered immediately in the context of Group F. Ivory Coast needed a result to secure first place and avoid a tougher knockout path, while Gabon required points to keep qualification hopes alive. Instead, the champions underlined their pedigree and set up a last-16 meeting with Burkina Faso.
Played in front of a lively crowd, the early exchanges were frantic. Gabon pressed aggressively and moved the ball quickly through midfield, while Ivory Coast struggled to impose their usual control. Zaha remained the focal point in attack, constantly looking to drive at the defence and stretch the game.
Key moments followed in rapid succession. Gabon had chances to extend their lead, but failed to take them, and that hesitation proved costly. Ivory Coast grew into the contest, with their midfield beginning to dictate the tempo and push higher up the pitch.
The equaliser arrived when Christopher Operi surged forward and picked out Evann Guessand, who finished confidently to make it 2-2 and swing the momentum fully toward the Elephants.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Once again, Operi was the provider, delivering for Bazoumana Toure, who kept his nerve to score the winner and complete a remarkable turnaround.
The second half was defined by Ivory Coast’s territorial dominance and sharper movement between the lines, while Gabon faded physically and mentally as the pressure mounted.
That late goal sealed top spot in the group for the defending champions and sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament. Ivory Coast now move into the knockout phase with confidence restored, while Gabon leave AFCON still searching for answers after a campaign that promised much but delivered nothing.