Cameroon vs Gabon Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025

Cameroon and Gabon set for festive Group F clash!

Heavyweights prepare to collide at the Stade Adrar in Agadir. Cameroon meet Gabon on Christmas Eve for a massive Group F tie. The Indomitable Lions walk into this match facing plenty of boardroom drama and arguments over their backroom staff.

Even with the noise, they pack a punch because Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo leads the line. On top of that, André Onana’s absence from the squad leaves Devis Epassy with a huge job. He must hold the defence together against a sharp Gabonese attack.

Hello Cameroon 😊😊👋👋🇨🇲The journey starts now, with eyes firmly on #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. 💪 pic.twitter.com/vyi3e52MP2

— TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 (@TotalAFCON2025) December 20, 2025

Gabon land in Morocco on the back of a six-game unbeaten streak. They look strong even while captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fights a nagging thigh injury. The Marseille man remains a doubt for the start.

In his place, Denis Bouanga and Mario Lemina work together to bridge the gap between the middle and the front. They want to shock the five-time winners. The result of this chess match really depends on the Panthers. They need to poke holes in a Cameroon camp that looks a bit shaky right now.

History shows these two neighbours usually play a very tight game. Both teams have two wins each from their last five matches. This record points toward a scrap where players fight for every inch of grass.

Since the Ivory Coast also sits in Group F, no one can afford a slow start. A loss here might end their hopes of making the next round. Fans should expect a high-speed battle. These central African rivals want to own the group that most people call the hardest in the whole tournament.

Kick-off:

• Location: Agadir, Morocco
• Stadium: Stade Adrar
• Date: Thursday, December 25
• Kick-off Time: 1:30 AM IST
• Referee: Issa Sy
• VAR: Not in use

Form:

Cameroon (in all competitions): L-D-W-L-W

Gabon (in all competitions): L-W-W-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon):

Bryan Mbeumo stands out as the main man for Cameroon right now. He recently took over the captaincy and leads the line for the team. Because veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar missed the squad selection, Mbeumo carries the big job of finishing chances. He also provides the flair needed to break down a tough Gabon side.

Denis Bouanga (Gabon):

Denis Bouanga serves as the star man for Gabon. This is especially true since captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sits out with a thigh injury. Bouanga runs directly at defenders from the wing. He also brings a hot scoring record from his club career in the United States. This means the Panthers rely on his pace and shooting to shock the five-time winners.

Match Facts:

• Historical data highlights a trend of low-scoring affairs between these two rivals. Four of their last five meetings across all competitions produced fewer than three goals.
• The Indomitable Lions enter the tournament with significant defensive momentum after finishing their qualification campaign unbeaten. They have kept four clean sheets in six matches.
• Despite their fierce regional rivalry, a noticeable gap exists in the latest FIFA World Rankings. Cameroon sit 27 places above Gabon heading into this opening Group F clash.

Cameroon vs Gabon Betting Tips and Odds:

• Cameroon to win: 2.20 as per 1xBet.
• Under 2.5 Total Goals: 1.53 as per 1Win.
• Bryan Mbeumo to score anytime: 3.50 as per Winmatch.

Injuries and Team News:

Both sides face big squad issues while getting ready for their Group F opener in Agadir. Cameroon enter the tournament without several of their biggest stars because of fitness problems and arguments with management.

The Indomitable Lions must find a way to play without André-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The Napoli midfielder had to pull out of the team after picking up a hamstring injury. On top of that, the coaching staff made a bold call to leave veteran keeper André Onana and long-time captain Vincent Aboubakar off the final list.

These gaps mean the team now leans on younger faces like Carlos Baleba. He has to hold the middle of the pitch together since the old guard is no longer there.

Gabon travel to Morocco with their own set of headaches after a late injury to their top scorer. Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang officially misses this first game against Cameroon. He stays in France to treat a thigh strain from a recent match for Marseille.

Doctors think he might return later in the group stage. Even so, his absence leaves a huge hole in the Panthers’ attack for this big regional derby.

Defender Michel Mboula also remains a major doubt for the backline. He is still working his way back from a muscle problem. Because of this, coach Thierry Mouyouma needs Denis Bouanga to take charge of the scoring. He must find a way to trouble a Cameroon defence that looks very different from usual.

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Head-To-Head stats:

Total matches: 24

Cameroon wins: 10

Gabon wins: 6

Draws: 8

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Cameroon’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3):

Devis Epassy; Junior Tchamadeu, Christopher Wooh, Enzo Boyomo, Nouhou Tolo; Carlos Baleba, Olivier Ntcham, Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe; Bryan Mbeumo, Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, Karl Etta Eyong

Gabon’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Loyce Marius Mbaba; Antony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Aaron Appindangoyé, Jacques Ekomié; Mario Lemina, Guélor Kanga; Shavy Babicka, Jim Allevinah, Denis Bouanga; Royce Openda

Match Prediction:

Predictions lean towards a narrow victory for Cameroon because they possess greater squad depth and clinical attacking options through Bryan Mbeumo. While Gabon offer a stern test on the counter, the Indomitable Lions typically dominate high-stakes regional derbies. Consequently, expect a 1-0 win for Cameroon at the Stade Adrar.

Prediction: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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