Starting this Sunday, December 21st, Morocco will be buzzing with excitement for the Africa Cup of Nations. While all eyes are on the Kingdom of Morocco, Group F is already the focus of attention. With a historic clash between Ivory Coast and Cameroon, coupled with the return of Gabon, the battle for the Round of 16 promises to be epic.

Ivory Coast: The reigning champion wants to keep its crown

Defending champions after their memorable home victory in 2024, the Elephants arrive in Morocco as overwhelming favorites.

1. Record: 26th participation, 3 titles (1992, 2015, 2024).
2. The Coach: Emerse Faé (41 years old) . Having become a national hero after taking over the team in the midst of a crisis during the last AFCON, he transformed a predicted disaster into a historic triumph.
3. The key player: Franck Kessié (29 years old) . The "President", who now plays for Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia), remains the tireless driving force of the Ivorian midfield.

Cameroon: The Lions remain indomitable

Despite a period of technical transition, Cameroon remains a giant of continental football, capable of transcending itself during major events.

1. Record: 22nd participation, 5 titles (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017).
2. The Coach: David Pagou (56 years old) . A newcomer at this level after the tumultuous departure of Marc Brys, he relies on solid experience in the local championship (Coton Sport, PWD Bamenda).
3. The player to watch: Bryan Mbeumo (26 years old) . Transferred this summer to Manchester United for 75 million euros, he is their number 1 attacking asset and the most expensive African player in history.

Gabon: The Panthers are back in business

Having missed the previous edition, the Panthers intend to play spoiler in this clash of giants.

1. Record: 9th participation (best result: quarter-final).
2. The Coach: Thierry Mouyouma (50 years old) . The former national defender brought stability and discipline to ensure qualification.
3. The legend: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (36 years old) . The OM striker remains the face of Gabon. His finishing talent is the lethal weapon to shake up the hierarchy.

Mozambique: The outsider's ambition

Considered the "little guy" of the group, the Mambas have nothing to lose and dream of a historic feat.

1. Record: 6th participation (never made it past the 1st round).
2. The Coach: Chiquinho Condé (60 years old) . Faithful to the position since 2021, he has achieved the feat of qualifying the country twice in a row.
3. The prop: Reinildo Mandava (31 years old) . Now at Sunderland after notable spells at Lille and Atlético de Madrid, he brings experience from the very highest European level.

🎙️ Nasser Sandjak's analysis

"This is the toughest group. Ivory Coast is my favorite because of their consistency, but Cameroon has that tournament DNA. Gabon, led by a fit Aubameyang, could surprise. One thing is certain: those who get out of this group will have already paid a heavy price."