Under the lights of Agadir, Cameroon and Gabon will write the final chapter of December 24's AFCON action. It's a fixture that carries weight far beyond Group F standings—a Central African derby loaded with history, pride, and a rivalry that stretches back decades. For the Indomitable Lions, nothing less than victory will satisfy a nation that expects AFCON glory as its birthright.
Cameroon's identity crisis
The Indomitable Lions have won five AFCON titles, but the last came in 2017. Since then, Cameroon have been caught between generations—too attached to their experienced stars, yet not fully trusting their emerging talents.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is the heartbeat of this team. His performances for Napoli have been exceptional, and Cameroon's hopes rest heavily on his ability to control midfield. But around him, questions persist. Can Bryan Mbeumo and Karl Toko Ekambi provide the firepower? Will the defence, which has looked shaky in recent qualifiers, hold firm under pressure?
Manager Rigobert Song, a Cameroon legend, has talked about building a new era. But tournaments demand results, not promises. A stumble against Gabon would set alarm bells ringing.
Gabon without Aubameyang: a new chapter
For years, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was Gabon. His goals, his leadership, his star power defined the Panthers. Now, with the former Arsenal striker retired from international duty, Gabon must find a new identity.
Interestingly, this might liberate them. Without the pressure of servicing a superstar, Gabon can play as a collective. Jim Allevinah and Denis Bouanga carry the attacking burden, while the midfield has developed more cohesion in recent matches.
The Panthers won't be pushovers. They qualified impressively and carry genuine belief that they can compete with anyone in Group F.
The tactical subplot: control vs counter-attack
Cameroon will look to dominate possession and use Anguissa's distribution to create chances. Their 4-3-3 system allows for width and overloads in the final third, but it can leave them exposed to quick transitions.
Gabon, meanwhile, will sit in a compact 4-4-2 and look to hit Cameroon on the break. Bouanga's pace on the left could cause problems for Cameroon's right-back, while set pieces offer another avenue for the Panthers to threaten.
The match could hinge on the first goal. If Cameroon score early, their quality should see them through. If Gabon keep it tight and nick one on the counter? Suddenly the pressure shifts to the Indomitable Lions.
The derby factor
Central African rivalries carry unique intensity. Cameroon and Gabon share borders, history, and a mutual respect that occasionally tips into antagonism on the pitch. These fixtures are rarely comfortable for either side.
Gabon have historically struggled against Cameroon in major tournaments, but they've also produced notable performances in derbies when least expected. The Panthers will draw motivation from proving they can compete without their talisman.
Key battle: Anguissa vs Gabon's midfield
If Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa dominates the middle of the park, Cameroon win. It's as simple as that. His ability to progress the ball, break up opposition attacks, and dictate tempo makes him arguably the best midfielder at AFCON 2025.
Gabon's only option is to swarm him—press in pairs, deny him time, and force Cameroon to create without their conductor. It's a risky strategy that could leave gaps elsewhere, but it might be Gabon's only path to a result.
Prediction: expect drama under the Agadir lights
This match has all the ingredients for a tense, unpredictable 90 minutes. Cameroon's quality and experience should prevail, but Gabon's tactical discipline and underdog mentality make them dangerous.
A 2-1 Cameroon victory feels likely, but don't be surprised if Gabon push them all the way. Central African derbies rarely follow scripts.