Indomitable Lions, Panthers set for Central African Derby showdown

Cameroon will renew their rivalry with their neighbours, Gabon, in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F fixture at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco, on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 10pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Indomitable Lions are winless in their last two matches across all competitions, having suffered a 1-0 defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs semifinal on November 13.

Cameroon are bidding to win their first AFCON title since 2017, which would also be their sixth trophy following the Central African giants' debut in the 1970 edition, hosted by their regional rivals, Gabon.

Gabon, on the other hand, are enjoying a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions in regulation time as they lost 4-1 to Nigeria in extra-time after a 1-1 draw in the World Cup African playoffs semifinal on 13 November.

The Panthers are making their return to Africa's most prestigious football tournament after missing out in the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast and the two-time quarterfinalists will be hoping to reach the semifinals for the first time in Morocco

TEAM NEWS

The Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has confirmed that new head coach David Pagou has a full squad of 28 players at his disposal following the arrival of Bayer Leverkusen's teenage sensation Christian Kofane in their camp in Morocco.

Pagou also appointed Christian Bassogog as the new Cameroon captain and the Al-Okhdoud forward will be assisted by Dinamo București goalkeeper Devis Epassy and Seattle Sounders left-back ⁠Nouhou Tolo.

Meanwhile, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) has confirmed the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in their camp in Morocco, following the experienced striker's delayed arrival due to a thigh injury he sustained while playing for Olympique de Marseille.

The FEGAFOOT also announced that Urie-Michel Mboula has been dropped from the Panthers squad due to a recurring left thigh injury and the FC Mertz defender will be replaced by Dordrecht's Yannis Mbemba, pending the submission of the former's medical file to CAF for official approval.

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WHAT WAS SAID?

New Cameroon captain Christian Bassogog

“I’ve been around for a long time, and leading this young generation is an honour,” Bassogog told CAFOnline.

“Being captain is not about myself; it’s about helping my teammates understand that the AFCON is an important competition for Cameroon and for the continent. We want to add another star to our jersey.”

Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma

"It’s a very interesting group. In Africa, there is no good or bad draw: it all depends on the final result. With a team progressing mentally, technically, tactically, and physically, starting against Cameroon is an advantage," Mouyouma told CAF Online.

"It will be a Central African derby. Then we face Mozambique. My objective is to secure qualification by the second match so that we can rotate the squad for the third game.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Cameroon and Gabon have met 25 times across all competitions since their maiden meeting in July 1970.

The Indomitable Lions have dominated this rivalry, winning 12 matches compared to the Panthers' three victories, while 10 games ended in a draw.

The last meeting between the two Central African countries ended in a 0-0 draw in the 2017 AFCON Group A match at the Stade d'Angondjé in Libreville, Gabon in January 2017.