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AFCON Report – Ivory Coast fight back to snatch victory against Gabon – 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Jean Philippe Krasso of Cote Ivoire celebrates a goal with Christopher Operi of Cote Ivoire during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match between Gabon and Cote Ivoire at Marrakech Stadium in Morocco on 31 December 2025 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025. 23:29
Ivory Coast secured top spot in Group F at the 2025 Africa Cup of nations after they came from two goals down to beat Gabon 3-2 at the Marrakesh Stadium on Wednesday,
The Panthers raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Guelor Kanga and Denis Bouanga before Jean-Philippe Krasso found a reply for Emerse Fae’s side in the closing stages of the first half.
Both coaches used all five substitutes in the second half, but it was Fae who benefitted after Evann Guessand and Bazoumana Toure both stepped off the bench to score in the final six minutes to complete the comeback win.
Ivory Coast enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession in the first half, but they started slowly and found themselves on the back foot after just 11 minutes after being hit on the counter.
A low delivery into the box was spilled by Alban Lafont and Kanga accepted the gift by tapping home from close range to put Gabon ahead.
Cote d’Ivoire looked to reply and Franck Kessie steered a header wide of goal from a cross on 13 minutes before they appeared to win a penalty six minutes later when Wilfried Zaha was brought down inside the box by Teddy Averlant.
However, the assistant’s flag went up for offside and the referee overturned his decision after a VAR review.
The Ivorians were lackadaisical once more in defence on 21 minutes as they conceded again, with Bouanga finding himself in acres of space inside the area and firing his shot into the bottom right corner of the net past the out-stretched glove of Lafont.
Oumar Diakite was just a whisker away from pulling one back 11 minutes later though, after Kessie released him in the box and Cercle Brugge forward got his shot away at the second attempt, only to see the ball clip the outside of the right post.
Wilfried Zaha should have done better when he had the goal at his mercy on 42 minutes, but only succeeded at shooting straight at Francois Bekale.
The Elephants were given hope moments later as Zaha latched onto a pass inside the box and squared it to Krasso, who made no mistake from four yards out to halve the deficit.
Both teams huffed and puffed in the second half, but clear-cut chances were few and far between and neither goalkeeper had a save to make.
Ivory coast continued to see plenty of the ball, although Gabon looked to have done enough to claim their first win of the tournament.
That would not come to pass though, as the Elephants equalised six minutes from time through Guessand, who steered a header into the bottom right corner of the net from a corner.
There was more drama to come in stoppage time when Toure completed the turnaround with a header back across the goal into the far corner from Christopher Operi’s cross.
Gabon (2) 2 (Kanga 11′, Bouanga 21′)
Ivory Coast (1) 3 (Krasso 44′, Guessand 84′, Toure 90+2′)
Paez is a record breaker and a headline maker.
He became the youngest debutant and goalscorer in Ecuadorian top-flight history at the age of 15 before making his debut in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, later that same season.
Later in 2023, aged 16 years and 131 days, he made his second appearance for Ecuador, becoming the second-youngest South American international to feature in World Cup qualifying after Diego Maradona.
A month later, he became the youngest South American to score in a World Cup qualifier in a 2-1 win away to Bolivia.
It was understandable, therefore, that Chelsea believed the attacker, who had two international goals and 18 caps when they agreed to sign him, was destined for big things.
Chelsea allowed him to train regularly with the first team before he was officially eligible to join the club following his 18th birthday.
They also provided security for Paez, his family and the family of international team-mate Moises Caicedo after violence broke out in Ecuador in early 2024.
A few months later, Paez was filmed in a New York strip club while away on international duty.
He initially impressed on loan at Chelsea‘s sister club Strasbourg by winning September’s Young Player of the Month award in the French top flight, but then came in for criticism from then-manager Liam Rosenior.
“We expect more, clearly,” Rosenior said later that season. “I’m tired of using the excuse of the player’s youth.”
Despite Strasbourg’s links to Chelsea through their shared ownership, the loan was cut short after one goal in 21 appearances. Instead, he joined Argentine giants River Plate on a two-year loan spell.
Sources in Argentina expressed similar concerns about his attitude when asked by BBC Sport. They point to a disappointing display in the 1-0 Superclasico defeat by fierce rivals Boca Juniors at the Monumental in April.
Shortly afterwards, Paez was named by club president Stefano Di Carlo as one of 15 players training away from River Plate’s first team, although other sources felt he could have been given more opportunities.
His loan ended by mutual consent after Paez scored once in 14 appearances in 461 minutes for River Plate.
Ahead of the international break, concern has been expressed in Ecuador, having built him up as the country’s next great attacking talent.
Michel Deller, the owner of Independiente, told Hincha Amarillo: “He’s like a son to us. We care about him deeply.
“He’s a good kid who’s had a tough time and has made decisions that have complicated his life.
“We are always hopeful he’ll show his exceptional talent one again but right now, it’s up to him to decide what to do with his life.”
These concerns are not dismissed completely by Chelsea or Paez’s environment. However, there is a belief they are grossly overstated, highlighting he is owed time to grow as a player and person.
London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2029.
The 24-year-old has become a key player for Eder Maestre’s side since joining from Barcelona a year ago.
She played in every Women’s Super League match for London City last season as they finished sixth in their debut campaign in the top flight.
Her performances at right-back earned her the fans’ votes for club player of the season.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract here at London City,” said Fernandez.
“When I arrived in England one year ago I joined this club with dreams for the future.
“Potential, excitement and progress are three words I associate with the club and I’m pleased to commit my future. I feel at home and settled here.
“We are building something special together, as players, staff and fans, and I can’t wait to play my part.”
Before her move to England, Fernandez spent her career at Barcelona, graduating from their academy and becoming a five-time league champion.
She also won the Champions League and Copa de la Reina three times.
Fernandez was part of the Spain team that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.
She has been joined at London City by former Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas – the two-time Ballon d’Or winner – and Mapi Leon.
Under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City hope to break into the WSL’s traditional top three and qualify for the Champions League.
Having attracted big names in the summer, it was crucial London City retained their other talent, and they have been able to do that with Fernandez and England winger Freya Godfrey committing their futures in recent months.
Kieron: Kilmarnock could have won by three or four and it wouldn’t of flattered them. Hibs were so poor tonight. David Gray’s position is hanging by a thread.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Chris: Question the tactics. Thought for long time long ball is desperate and lacks ambition. Pressure indeed on David Gray.
Lee: If we end the game two points off bottom spot then it’s surely time up for the Hibs manager. It’s not a run and recovery from a bad position needed, it’s deliver and results from the get go the support demands for a club of our size.
Stuart: The players on that pitch have to take as much responsibility as David Gray for this result, nowhere near good enough. Amateur performance.
Paul: Long balls to no-one as usual from Hibs and as usual our keeper is a weak link. Gray has to go even if we win as this is awful football. Bring in Neil Lennon or Steve Clarke asap before our season drifts to nothing as usual.
Andy: How can Gray continue to keep his job? The players are not playing for him. The club is a mess. Banning the only fans that bring an atmosphere. Benching three of our best players. So confusing.
Brian: Worst backline in Scotland, midfielders trot about like headless chickens, feel sorry for strikers. Gray clueless. No plan. No tactics. Blah, blah, blah after game as usual but won’t resign. Board have to act.
SMcDhfc: David Gray has lost the team, it was obvious tonight. As an attacking force, we were shocking, lots of huffing and puffing but not one real effort on target. The players should be embarrassed after that display, but they will get the result they are after, Gray sacked.
Craig: I like Gray but believe it’s time he goes. He has one formation. It’s just not good enough. But, if he goes, Malky MacKay [director of football] should go too. His signings have been terrible.
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