Preview:Gabon vs Ivory Coast - prediction, team news, lineups

The Stade de Franceville is set for a blockbuster showdown on Tuesday as Gabon host Ivory Coast in a potential Group F decider.

Both nations head into the clash in superb form, separated by just two points, and with automatic qualification on the line, this fixture could define the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Match preview

Ivory Coast arrive as Africa’s reigning champions and unbeaten leaders of Group F, having shown both resilience and cutting edge throughout this qualification cycle.

Emerse Fae’s side edged past Burundi last time out, with Yakoun Bayo’s third-minute strike proving decisive in a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

The Elephants may not have been at their most fluent, but their defensive solidity stood tall once again; remarkably, they have yet to concede a single goal in seven qualifiers.

The win kept Ivory Coast on course for a sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, but the biggest test awaits in Franceville.

Away from home, they have been consistent, with two wins and a draw so far, underpinned by their balance between a rugged backline and creative firepower from Simon Adingra, Amad Diallo, and Sebastien Haller.

Gabon, however, are not just spectators in this race; they are the Elephants’ biggest challengers.

The Panthers flexed their attacking muscles in midweek with a 4-0 dismantling of Seychelles, a performance that lifted them briefly to the top of the group.

Denis Bouanga was the undisputed star, hitting a first-half hat-trick to take his tally to eight goals, making him the qualifiers’ leading scorer ahead of Mohamed Salah.

Thierry Mouyouma’s side are formidable at home, where they often harness the energy of their passionate support.

They also boast a fluid frontline, with Bouanga flanked by Teddy Averlant and David Sambissa, while veteran Bruno Ecuele Manga continues to marshal the defence.

Gabon average over two goals per game in this campaign, and as qualification is within touching distance, belief is surging through the camp.

History leans slightly in Ivory Coast’s favour, with three wins from the last five meetings between these two, but Gabon’s firepower and the significance of home advantage mean this encounter could be the toughest challenge yet for the Elephants’ unbeaten record.

Gabon World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Gabon form (all competitions):

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Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Ivory Coast form (all competitions):

W W W L D W

Team News

Ivory Coast’s squad is brimming with options, with no injury or suspension concerns reported.

Seko Fofana has returned to bolster midfield options alongside Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare, while the attack will again be spearheaded by Haller, supported by Adingra, Krasso, and Diallo. Jean-Louis Gasset is unlikely to tinker heavily given the consistency shown so far.

Mouyouma's Gabon have a clean bill of health and could stick with the same XI that dismantled Seychelles.

Loyce Mbaba will likely continue between the sticks, shielded by Oyono, Onifa, Manga, and Obiang in defence. In midfield, Guelor Kanga and Didier Ndong provide experience and ball-winning ability, while all eyes will be on Bouanga to deliver once more in attack.

Gabon possible starting lineup:

Mbaba; Oyono, Manga, Onifa, Obiang; Kanga, Ndong, Baboue; Averlant, Sambissa, Bouanga

Ivory Coast possible starting lineup:

Fofana; Singo, Gbamin, Agbadou, Akpa; Sangare, Kessie; Diallo, Krasso, Adingra; Haller

We say: Gabon 1-1 Ivory Coast

Both teams come into this with momentum, and the stakes could not be higher. Ivory Coast’s defensive record has been impeccable, and their ability to grind out results makes them slight favourites.

However, Gabon’s free-scoring attack, led by the red-hot Bouanga, ensures this will be anything but straightforward. The Elephants may have the pedigree, but Franceville is a tough place to leave with three points.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.