Cameroon vs Gabon Prediction: Bryan Mbeumo to catch the eye in the attack once more for Cameroon

Cameroon vs Gabon: Prediction for the Match on December 24, 2025

The Indomitable Lions are one of AFCON’s most successful teams, having won the trophy five times, second only to Egypt with seven titles. The Panthers are making their ninth appearance at the tournament and hope to reach the semi-finals for the first time. Once seen as one of Africa's football powerhouses, Cameroon is determined to regain that status in Morocco, though it won’t be easy.

Cameroon: Form and Statistics

Cameroon (in all competitions): L-D-W-L-W

Cameroon enters this AFCON amid significant turmoil, with a power struggle between head coach Marc Brys and federation president Samuel Eto’o causing major disruptions. This conflict led to conflicting squad lists being submitted to CAF and public disagreements about the coaching staff. This has been far from ideal preparation for a team used to competing at the highest level in Africa. David Pagou now faces the tough task of bringing stability to the team. He must shield the players from the political noise and focus on the game ahead. The pressure is high, especially given Cameroon’s recent AFCON record. Despite being five-time champions, they have only advanced past the round of 16 once in their last three appearances.

Cameroon: Team News

Cameroon has a full squad to choose from, led by newly-appointed captain Bryan Mbeumo. The Manchester United player will carry the hopes of his nation in Morocco, especially with Aboubakar absent. Coach Pagou has left goalkeeper Andre Onana out of the squad, choosing Devis Epassy as the main keeper. Epassy is also one of the team’s three captains. Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong has had a standout season, scoring five goals in 12 La Liga games. Now, he’s focused on making an impact at AFCON in Morocco.

Cameron Expected Line Ups

Devis Epassy; Junior Tchamadeu, Christopher Wooh, Enzo Boyomo, Nouhou Tolo; Carlos Baleba, Olivier Ntcham, Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe; Bryan Mbeumo, Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, Karl Etta Eyong

Gabon: Form and Statistics

Gabon (in all competitions): L-W-W-D-W

Gabon arrives in Morocco on a six-game unbeaten streak. They look strong, despite captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dealing with a thigh injury. The Marseille player is doubtful for the start. Gabon has missed seven of the last 12 AFCONs but returns this time hoping to surprise. They are in a tough group with Cameroon and Ivory Coast. With five group stage exits in their eight AFCON appearances, confidence is low. However, they were unbeaten in five matches before losing to Nigeria in World Cup qualifying (W4, D1). Gabon has also done well in AFCON openers. Their last loss in the first match was in 2000 (W4, D1). One of those wins was against Cameroon in the 2010 tournament.

Gabon: Team News

Gabon’s captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is their key player but will miss the opening game due to a knock he picked up in his final match for Marseille. With Aubameyang out, all eyes will be on Denis Bouanga. He had an outstanding season in MLS, scoring 26 goals in 34 appearances for Los Angeles FC. Mario Lemina’s experience in France and England will be crucial for Mouyouma’s team as they aim to progress from Group F.

Gabon Expected Line Ups

Loyce Marius Mbaba; Antony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Aaron Appindangoyé, Jacques Ekomié; Mario Lemina, Guélor Kanga; Shavy Babicka, Jim Allevinah, Denis Bouanga; Royce Openda

Cameroon vs Gabon: Head-to-Head statistics

This will be the first head-to-head since the 0-0 draw in the 2017 AFCON. Gabon has won just three of the 25 previous meetings (D10, L12). Only one of the last five matches has seen both teams score.

Cameroon vs Gabon: Betting Tips & Odds

• Bryan Mbeumo has played a key role in Cameroon’s last three competitive wins, with two goals and two assists. Five of his seven goals for Manchester United this season have come after half-time. Denis Bouanga is Gabon’s main threat, with five goal contributions in as many caps (3 goals, 2 assists).
• Cameroon will be without André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar, while Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is missing due to injury.
• Historically, matches between these two have been low-scoring. Four of their last five meetings had fewer than three goals.
• Cameroon enters the tournament with strong defensive form, having finished their qualification campaign unbeaten and kept four clean sheets in six matches.
• Despite their rivalry, Cameroon is ranked 27 places higher than Gabon in the latest FIFA World Rankings as they face off in this Group F opener.

Cameroon vs Gabon match prediction, 24th December 2025

Only two of Cameroon’s last nine matches have seen both teams score. Similarly, just one of the last five meetings between these teams has had goals at both ends. This makes a “both teams to score – no” option a strong choice. Cameroon are unbeaten in their last five AFCON opening matches (2W, 3D), so backing them to avoid defeat seems like a smart move. Predictions favor a narrow victory for Cameroon, thanks to their deeper squad and clinical attacking options, like Bryan Mbeumo.

Our match prediction is Cameroon to win with odds at 2.25 on the 1Xbetbookmaker.

Our betting tip is BTTS (no) with odds at 1.68 on the BC.game bookmaker.

Our last match prediction is Bryan Mbeumo to score anytime with odds at 3.50 on Betway bookmaker.