Ivory Coast and Mozambique will meet for the eighth time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. While the Ivory Coast has historically dominated the fixture, Mozambique has played a pivotal role in shaping qualification outcomes, particularly during the 2010 and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
2010 FIFA World Cup & AFCON Qualifiers – CAF Second Round
Ivory Coast and Mozambique were drawn together in Group 7 of the second round, which doubled as qualification for both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kalou’s first-half goal secured the win for the Ivory Coast, who topped the group.
Ivory Coast advanced to the final round and later qualified for both the 2010 World Cup and AFCON. Mozambique, despite finishing second, qualified for the 2010 AFCON as one of the best eight runners-up, edging The Gambia on goal difference. It was Mozambique’s **first AFCON appearance since 1998**, clinched dramatically on the final day with a **1–0 upset over Tunisia**, combined with **Nigeria’s win over Kenya**.
2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF Second Round
Ivory Coast and Mozambique were drawn into **Group D**, alongside Cameroon and Malawi.
A cagey opener played **behind closed doors** due to COVID-19 restrictions. Neither side created clear-cut chances, and the match ended in a stalemate.
#### 🏟️ Second Leg – 6 September 2021 (Cotonou, Benin)
- Max Gradel (10') - Jean-Michaël Seri (25') - Ibrahim Sangaré (75')
Due to stadium non-compliance in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast hosted the match in Cotonou, Benin. The game was played **without spectators** due to CAF regulations and COVID-19 protocols. The Elephants dominated from the outset, with Gradel and Seri scoring early to put the match beyond reach.
The rivalry between the Ivory Coast and Mozambique has been defined by high-stakes qualifiers and contrasting trajectories. While Ivory Coast has consistently reached major tournaments, Mozambique’s historic qualification for the 2010 AFCON remains a proud moment — one that was shaped, in part, by their spirited performances against the Elephants.
Cameroon and Gabon have met 25 times in international competition, with Cameroon holding the edge in wins. Their rivalry has featured key moments in World Cup and AFCON qualifiers, including a dramatic group-stage twist in 2010 and a penalty shootout in CHAN qualification. The fixture is known for its intensity and regional pride, with both Central African nations fielding strong squads over the years.
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF Third Round
Cameroon and Gabon were drawn together in Group A of the final round of African qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The matches were high-stakes, and Cameroon won both legs.
First Leg – 6 June 2009 (Libreville) - **Result:** Gabon 0–2 Cameroon - **Goals:** Achille Emana, Samuel Eto’o
Cameroon opened their campaign with a composed away win. Emana scored from distance, and Eto’o sealed the result with a late goal.
Second Leg – 5 September 2009 (Yaoundé) - **Result:** Cameroon 2–1 Gabon - **Goals:**
- Cameroon: Geremi Njitap, Achille Emana - Gabon: Daniel Cousin
The match was originally scheduled for June but postponed due to the death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo. The rescheduled fixture was played under heightened emotion and security.
Cameroon topped the group and qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2010 AFCON. Gabon, despite finishing second, qualified for the 2010 AFCON due to the dual-format structure of the qualifiers.
2010 Africa Cup of Nations – Group D: 13 January 2010 (Lubango, Angola)
- **Result:** Cameroon 0–1 Gabon - **Goal:** Daniel Cousin (17')
Gabon shocked Cameroon with a disciplined performance. Cousin capitalized on a defensive error to score the winner. Cameroon dominated possession but failed to capitalize on its chances.
Despite the win, Gabon were eliminated on a three-way tie-breaker, based on goals scored among matches involvnig Cameroon, Zambia and Gabon, all finishing with 4 points.
CHAN Qualification – 2014 Edition
First Leg – 6 July 2013 (Libreville) - **Result:** Gabon 1–0 Cameroon - **Goal:** Samson Mbingui
Gabon took a narrow lead with a late goal in a physical match.
Second Leg – 27 July 2013 (Yaoundé) - **Result:** Cameroon 1–0 Gabon (Cameroon won 4–1 on penalties) - **Goal:** Jacques Zoua
Cameroon leveled the aggregate score and won the shootout convincingly. Goalkeeper Jean Efala made two key saves.
2017 Africa Cup of Nations – Group A: 22 January 2017 (Libreville)
- **Result:** Gabon 0–0 Cameroon
In a tense final group match, Gabon needed a win to advance but were held by Cameroon. Aubameyang missed a crucial chance, and Cameroon’s defense held firm. Cameroon advanced and went on to win the tournament, while Gabon, as hosts, was eliminated in the group stage.
The rivalry between Ivory Coast and Cameroon began in earnest during the 1970 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Sudan. In their first AFCON encounter on 6 February 1970, Cameroon edged Ivory Coast 3–2, laying the foundation for a competitive relationship between two rising football powers.
Throughout the 1980s, the teams met in multiple AFCON tournaments: 1984 AFCON (10 March): Cameroon defeated Ivory Coast 2–0 in the group stage and the 1986 AFCON (17 March): Cameroon again prevailed 1–0, showcasing their dominance during a decade in which they won two AFCON titles and qualified for the 1990 World Cup.
One of the most iconic matches in the rivalry came during the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Senegal. On 23 January 1992, Ivory Coast and Cameroon met in the quarterfinals. After a tense 0–0 draw, the match went to penalties, which the Ivory Coast won 3-1 to achieve their first-ever AFCON title, which they secured after another dramatic shootout against Ghana in the final. Goalkeeper Alain Gouaméné was the hero, saving multiple penalties and earning the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper award.
The two African giants were drawn into CAF Group 3, alongside Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Benin. While the top three nations would qualify for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (Libya also qualified as fourth-place finisher since Egypt was the host), only the group winner would qualify for the World Cup in Germany. The campaign was fiercely competitive, and although Cameroon won both head-to-head matches, Ivory Coast ultimately qualified — thanks to consistency and a dramatic final twist.
In Yaoundé, Cameroon, on July 4, 2004, Cameroon defeated its rivals, Ivory Coast, 2-0 in a crucial 2006 World Cup qualifier. The game remained deadlocked until the final ten minutes, with African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o finally breaking the resistance in the 80th minute. Substitute Guy Feutchine sealed the vital victory just two minutes later, giving Cameroon a dominant lead in the "Group of Death."
In a thrilling rematch in Abidjan, Cameroon defeated Ivory Coast 3-2, with Pierre Webó scoring a famous hat-trick against a Didier Drogba brace. This dramatic victory solidified Cameroon's lead in the "Group of Death" and put them in pole position entering the final matchday, leaving Ivory Coast heartbroken and needing an unlikely result.
The final day brought devastating drama for Cameroon: despite being at home against Egypt, defender Pierre Womé missed a decisive penalty kick, hitting the post, in the final seconds of stoppage time, resulting in a 1-1 draw. This failure opened the door for Ivory Coast, who simultaneously secured a 3-1 win over Sudan, allowing them to finish one point ahead of Cameroon and snatch the 2006 World Cup qualification spot. Ivory Coast’s qualification marked the rise of their golden generation, led by Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Kolo Touré, while Cameroon’s heartbreak became one of the most memorable moments in African qualifying history. Wome faced intense criticism, though teammates like Eto’o defended him publicly.
Fast forward to 4 February 2006, the two giants clashed again in the AFCON quarterfinals in Egypt. Ivory Coast 1–1 Cameroon (Ivory Coast won 12–11 on penalties). Didier Drogba and Eto’o both scored in regulation, but Eto’o missed his penalty in the shootout. Kolo Touré scored the decisive kick for Ivory Coast. The match is remembered as a classic, showcasing the golden generation of both nations. Ivory Coast advanced to the final, eventually losing to Egypt.
The rivalry between Cameroon and Ivory Coast extended into the qualification and final tournament of the **2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)**, with three closely contested matches in the span of four months.
The two nations were drawn together in the qualifying Group D for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where they both secured their spots in the final tournament: When the nations met on Sept. 10, 2014, (Cameroon 4-1 Ivory Coast (Cameroon Win)** 🇨🇲
Cameroon's 4-1 victory on Sept. 10, 2014 in Yaoundé established the nation as the early group leaders and was a major statement under new coach Volker Finke. **Clinton Njié** and **Vincent Aboubakar** each scored a **brace** for Cameroon. Yaya Touré scored the lone goal for Ivory Coast. This was a significant win for a "new-look" Cameroon team, signaling a major shift in the balance of power from the Ivorian "Golden Generation."
The draw in Abidjan on Nov. 19, 2014, confirmed qualification for both nations. Cameroon, with their superior goal difference from the first match, **topped the group** (Group D winners), while Ivory Coast finished as **group runners-up**. A tense, hard-fought draw was enough for both teams, allowing them to advance to the finals in Equatorial Guinea.
2015 AFCON Final Tournament Group Stage (Group D)
The rivalry was immediately renewed when the teams were drawn into the same group for the final tournament, with the meeting coming on Jan. 28, 2015 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. **Max Gradel** scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute with a powerful long-range strike. This was the final group match for both sides, and it was a virtual knockout game. Coming into the match, all four teams in the group (Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mali, and Guinea) were separated by only two points, and the first four games had all ended 1-1. The single **1-0 victory** for Ivory Coast was the **only non-draw** result in Group D, allowing them to **top the group** and eliminate **Cameroon**, who finished last.
Ivory Coast advanced to the knockout rounds and would go on to win the **2015 Africa Cup of Nations** title, defeating Ghana in a tense penalty shootout in the final, marking a triumphant end for their "Golden Generation" players, such as Yaya Touré. Cameroon, despite their strong qualification campaign, were eliminated in the group stage of the final tournament.
The rivalry extended to the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament reserved for players in domestic leagues. • Date: 30 January 2016 • Venue: Rwanda • Result: Ivory Coast 3–0 Cameroon • Goals: o Ivory Coast: Koffi Boua, Atcho, and N’Guessan • Summary: The Ivory Coast dominated with pace and precision. o The match highlighted the depth of talent in Ivorian domestic football.
Notable Players in the Rivalry
Ivory Coast: • Didier Drogba: Captain and talisman, scored in the 2006 AFCON clash. • Yaya Touré & Kolo Touré: Anchored midfield and defense during the golden era. • Alain Gouaméné: Hero of the 1992 shootout. • Gervinho & Wilfried Bony: Key attackers in the 2010s.
Cameroon • Samuel Eto’o: Scored in the 2006 AFCON match; multiple AFCON titles. • Rigobert Song: Defensive stalwart with over 130 caps. • Vincent Aboubakar: Scored in recent encounters. • Clinton N’Jie: Star of the 2014 friendly win.
Ivory Coast and Cameroon are set to meet for the 22nd time during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With both nations boasting new generations of talent and rich legacies, the fixture promises another chapter of drama, pride, and elite football.
Gabon and Mozambique have met seven times in international competition, with their eighth encounter scheduled for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. While Gabon has generally held the upper hand, Mozambique has pushed them to the brink in key qualifiers, including a memorable penalty shootout in 2015.
1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF First Round
Gabon and Mozambique were paired in the first round of the African qualifiers for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
- **First Leg – 16 August 1992 (Maputo):** Mozambique 1–0 Gabon
- Goal: Tico-Tico - Summary: Mozambique secured a narrow home win with a goal from their legendary striker.
- **Second Leg – 30 August 1992 (Libreville):** Gabon 3–0 Mozambique
- Goals: François Amégasse, Armand Ossey, Théodore Nzue Nguema - Summary: Gabon overturned the deficit with a dominant home performance, advancing 3–1 on aggregate.
2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF First Round
Gabon and Mozambique met again in the preliminary round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The tie was decided over two legs and culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Mozambique took a surprise lead in the tie with a well-placed header from Pelembe. Gabon struggled to break down Mozambique’s defense and missed several chances.
🏟️ Second Leg – 14 November 2015 (Libreville)
- **Result:** Gabon 1–0 Mozambique (Aggregate 1–1; Gabon won 4–3 on penalties) - **Goal:** Malick Evouna (3') - **Summary:**
Gabon equalized the aggregate score early through Evouna’s close-range finish. Despite dominating possession, Gabon failed to add to its lead. Mozambique nearly snatched the tie late when Elias Pelembe’s shot was tipped over the bar by Didier Ovono.
- **Key Plays:**
- Mario Lemina and Reginaldo exchanged fouls and bookings in a tense midfield battle. - Mozambique’s Gildo and Jumisse came close in extra time, forcing saves from Ovono. - Aubameyang, who missed the first leg, returned and scored the decisive penalty in the shootout.
- **Penalty Shootout:**
- Gabon converted 4 of 5 penalties. - Mozambique missed two, including a crucial final attempt by S. Guambe. - Final score: Gabon 4–3 Mozambique (penalties)
Gabon advanced to the final group stage of CAF World Cup qualifying. Mozambique was eliminated despite a valiant effort.
Ivory Coast and Gabon will meet for the 19th time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The fixture has featured key moments in both AFCON and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Ivory Coast historically holding the upper hand.
2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
First Leg – 2 September 2017 (Franceville): Gabon 0–3 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast dominated with clinical finishing and swift counterattacks.
Second Leg – 5 September 2017 (Bouaké): Ivory Coast 1–2 Gabon
- Goals: - Ivory Coast: Jean-Michaël Seri - Gabon: Axel Méyé, Mario Lemina
Gabon stunned the home crowd with a resilient performance, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
First Leg – 7 June 2024 (Abidjan): Ivory Coast 1–0 Gabon
- Goal: Sébastien Haller (penalty, 54') - Ivory Coast controlled possession and broke through with a second-half penalty.
Second Leg – 9 September 2025 (Franceville): Gabon 0–0 Ivory Coast
- Booking: Didier Ndong (Gabon) received a yellow card for a late challenge.
A tense draw with few clear chances. Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga threatened on the counter, while the Ivory Coast’s midfield trio of Kessié, Sangaré, and Fofana controlled the tempo.
2008 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
The teams first met on Oct. 7, 2006, at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. Ivory Coast delivered a dominant performance in Abidjan, overwhelming Gabon 5–0 in their Group 1 qualifier for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. The Elephants took control early, with Kolo Touré opening the scoring in the 11th minute. Arouna Koné followed with a quick brace (22’, 61’) and completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute. Aruna Dindane added another in the 33rd minute to round out a commanding first-half display. The Ivorian attack, led by Koné and supported by stars such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, proved too much for Gabon’s defense. The result solidified Ivory Coast’s position as group leaders and reinforced their status as one of the continent’s top sides.
The teams then met on Sept. 8, 2007, at the Stade Omar Bongo in Libreville. Gabon held Ivory Coast to a goalless draw in a tightly contested Group 1 qualifier for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the Ivory Coast’s attacking strength, including stars like Aruna Dindane, Arouna Koné, and Yaya Touré, the Elephants were unable to break through Gabon’s resilient defense. The match featured several yellow cards, including to Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon), Aruna Dindane, Abdoulaye Meïté, Siaka Tiéné, and Bakari Koné (Ivory Coast).
Despite the draw, the Ivory Coast secured qualification for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana. The point earned in Libreville was enough to confirm their place at the top of Group 1. Gabon, on the other hand, was eliminated from contention following this result.
Other Notable Matches
2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN):
- Ivory Coast defeated Gabon 4–1 in the group stage, showcasing the strength of their domestic-based players.
Friendlies and WAFU Competitions:
- The two sides have met in several friendlies and regional tournaments, with Ivory Coast generally holding the upper hand.
Mozambique and Cameroon will meet for the ninth time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The two nations have a long-standing qualifying rivalry, having faced each other in multiple AFCON qualification campaigns and most recently in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Cameroon has historically dominated the fixture, though Mozambique has shown resilience in several encounters.
Mozambique and Cameroon met six times across three AFCON qualifying campaigns (2002, 2006, and 2008 editions). Cameroon won all six matches, often by comfortable margins.
1984 AFCON Qualifiers
This two-legged affair resulted in Mozambique's only victory over Cameroon, a 3–0 win in the first leg of the series. However, Cameroon overturned the deficit with a decisive 4–0 home win in the second leg, winning the tie 4–3 on aggregate.
2000 AFCON Qualifiers
The first meeting took place on Feb. 28, 1999, at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where the hosts secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Mozambique in their Group 1 qualifying fixture for the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations. The decisive moment came in the 25th minute when striker Patrick M'Boma found the back of the net, giving the Indomitable Lions an early lead. Despite several opportunities, Mozambique was unable to equalize, and Cameroon maintained control throughout the match.
The second meeting took place on Apr. 11, 199, at the Estadia da Machava in Maputo, Mozambique. Cameroon delivered a commanding performance in Maputo, overwhelming Mozambique 6–1 in their Group 1 qualifying clash for the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations. The visitors surged ahead early, with Joseph-Desiré Job netting twice in quick succession (26’, 28’), followed by a brace from Patrick M'Boma (33’, 42’) to close out a dominant first half. Mozambique’s lone response came from star forward Tico-Tico in the 60th minute, but Cameroon continued their offensive onslaught with goals from Pierre Njanka (74’) and Samuel Suffo (83’), sealing a comprehensive victory.
These results proved crucial as Cameroon qualified for the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament for which the Indomitable Lions would achieve their third continental triumph.
2021 AFCON Qualifiers
The first meeting took place on Nov. 12, 2020, at Stade de la Reunification in Douala, Cameroon. Cameroon produced a commanding performance to defeat Mozambique 4–1 in their Group F qualifier for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lions opened the scoring in the 39th minute through Vincent Aboubakar, who added a second just two minutes later (41’) to give the hosts a comfortable lead at halftime. In the second half, Clinton Njié extended Cameroon’s advantage with a goal in the 74th minute. Mozambique responded with a consolation strike from Kamo-Kamo in the 80th minute, but Cameroon sealed the result with a fourth goal from Serge Tabekou in the 90th minute.
The second meeting took place four days later, on Nov. 16, 2020, at Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique. Cameroon completed a double over Mozambique with a composed 2–0 victory in Maputo, just four days after their 4–1 win in Douala. The Indomitable Lions took the lead in the 26th minute through captain Vincent Aboubakar, who latched onto a pass from Moumi Ngamaleu to slot home the opener. The goal was Aboubakar’s third in two matches, underlining his pivotal role in Cameroon’s qualification campaign. Serge Tabekou doubled the lead in the 73rd minute, again assisted by Ngamaleu, sealing the result and showcasing Cameroon’s attacking depth. The visitors controlled possession and tempo throughout, limiting Mozambique’s chances and maintaining defensive discipline
2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
The first meeting took place on Oct. 8, 2021, at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon. Cameroon rebounded from their previous defeat to the Ivory Coast with a convincing 3–1 victory over Mozambique. Bayern Munich forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting opened the scoring in the 28th minute and doubled the lead shortly after halftime (51’), showcasing his clinical finishing. Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi added a third in the 63rd minute, capping off a dominant attacking display. Mozambique managed a consolation goal in the 80th minute through Geny Catamo of Sporting Lisbon. However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed when substitute Danilo received a straight red card in the 88th minute, reducing the visitors to ten men.
The second meeting took place three days later on Oct. 11, 2021, at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, as Mozambique's home stadiums did not meet FIFA’s required standards for hosting international matches at the time. Cameroon edged Mozambique 1–0 in the return leg of their Group D qualifier, with defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui scoring the decisive goal in the 68th minute. The match was tightly contested, with Mozambique showing improved defensive organization compared to the first leg. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find an equalizer.
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