Five-time champions Cameroon and defending holders Ivory Coast both made winning starts to their 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations campaigns, edging past Gabon and Mozambique respectively in tightly contested Group F encounters on Wednesday in Morocco.
In Agadir, Cameroon needed just one moment of quality to overcome neighbours Gabon, securing a 1–0 victory that immediately put them in control of the group.
Spain-based forward Karl Etta Eyong struck inside the opening six minutes, finishing calmly after Bryan Mbeumo split the Gabon defence and slipped the ball through goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba’s legs.
Although a brief VAR review delayed celebrations, the goal stood and ultimately proved decisive.
The early breakthrough eased pressure on the Indomitable Lions, who were eager to rewrite history after failing to beat Gabon in their previous AFCON meetings.
The win also marked the start of a new era under head coach David Pagou, who made bold selection choices by leaving out senior figures André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar, while handing the captain’s armband to Nouhou Tolo as part of a shared leadership system.
Gabon responded with renewed urgency, especially after the introduction of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, despite fitness concerns, alongside the in-form Denis Bouanga.
However, Cameroon remained composed throughout, controlling the tempo and limiting clear-cut chances to hold on for a narrow but significant victory.
Earlier in Marrakech, reigning champions Ivory Coast also claimed a 1–0 win, doing just enough to see off a stubborn Mozambique side.
The breakthrough came four minutes after the restart when Manchester United winger Amad Diallo guided home a neat side-footed finish to settle the contest.
Under head coach Emerse Faé, the Elephants displayed the calmness and organisation that carried them to AFCON glory two years ago.
Ivory Coast rarely overcommitted, managing the game efficiently at both ends to secure all three points in their title defence opener.
For Mozambique, the defeat leaves little margin for error as they continue their search for a first-ever AFCON knockout stage appearance.
With both Cameroon and Ivory Coast sitting level on three points, Group F now builds toward a highly anticipated clash between the two heavyweights on Sunday night in Marrakech.
Before then, Mozambique and Gabon face off in Agadir, knowing that another defeat could all but end their tournament hopes.
