Late Touré Header Seals Côte d'Ivoire’s Dramatic 3–2 Comeback Win Over Gabon

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 1 January 2026 - Defending champions Côte d'Ivoire produced a stunning comeback to beat Gabon 3–2 in their final Group F match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, securing top spot in the group and a place in the Round of 16.

The Elephants’ dramatic victory at the Stade de Marrakech will be remembered as one of the tournament’s most thrilling finishes.

Gabon, already eliminated from the competition and without star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to injury, stunned the defending champions early on. Guelor Kanga opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalising on an Ivorian defensive error to give Gabon the lead.

Just ten minutes later, Denis Bouanga doubled Gabon’s advantage, curling a superb strike into the bottom corner in the 21st minute and leaving Ivory Coast, as they are also known, on the brink of defeat.

The tide began to turn late in the first half as Côte d'Ivoire fought to stay in the game. Jean-Philippe Krasso pulled one back just before halftime with a simple finish from close range after Wilfried Zaha played a low cross into the box, giving the Elephants fresh belief heading into the break.

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The momentum continued to build for Ivory Coast in the second half, and they finally drew level in the 84th minute. Evann Guessand, the young Aston Villa striker, rose highest to power home a header from a well-worked corner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and setting up a dramatic finish.

Just when it seemed the match might end in a draw, Ivory Coast delivered a thrilling winner. In stoppage time (90+1’), substitute Bazoumana Touré nodded in a close-range header to complete the comeback and secure all three points.

The late winner ensured Côte d'Ivoire finished top of Group F with seven points, level with Cameroon but ahead on goals scored, and set up a Round of 16 clash against Burkina Faso.

The victory not only highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's resilience and champion mentality but also completed their group stage campaign with style, proving that even when under pressure, and trailing, the Elephants have the character to fight back and defend their title with pride.

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