Mansion Sports – The meeting between Cameroon and Gabon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is predicted to be tight and full of tension.

The match is scheduled to take place at Adrar Stadium on Wednesday, 23 December 2025, at 21:00 local time.

As a nation once regarded as one of the major powers of African football, Cameroon will be highly motivated to reclaim that status in Morocco, although the path ahead will not be easy.

Before the match begins, here is Mansion Sports’ prediction for the Cameroon vs Gabon lineups December 2025 below.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Cameroon

Cameroon are undoubtedly experiencing a difficult period in football after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Indomitable Lions currently hold the African record for the most World Cup appearances with eight, making another failure to qualify after losing out to Cape Verde a deeply painful blow.

However, there is still an opportunity to make amends for their supporters if they are able to emerge from the so-called “group of death” and progress deep into this tournament.

David Pagou’s side qualified for the continental competition as group winners and advanced unbeaten, but the real challenge will certainly be very different.

The coach made the surprising decision to exclude veteran striker and team captain Vincent Aboubakar, a move that could prove costly given Cameroon’s lack of sharpness in attack.

Cameroon failed to score in their last two matches, one of the main reasons behind their failure to qualify for the World Cup, something unusual for supporters who were once spoiled by players such as Roger Milla, Patrick Mboma, and Samuel Eto'o.

The Indomitable Lions also failed to score in their most recent meeting with Gabon, with each team recording two victories across their last five encounters.

Gabon

Arriving as dark horses in this edition of the tournament, Gabon hope to surpass the quarter-final achievements they reached in 1996 and 2012.

Despite being ranked 27 places below Cameroon in the latest FIFA world rankings, the Panthers appear more likely to avoid defeat when considering their recent form.

Thierry Mouyouma’s side have remained unbeaten in normal time in their last six matches, including a 1–1 draw against Nigeria in World Cup qualification.

Gabon are known as a disruptive team that enjoys unsettling African football giants, effectively exploiting inconsistencies in their opponents’ play.

The Panthers are solid defensively and rely on creative players to change the course of matches with a single moment of brilliance.

With the most recent meeting against Cameroon ending goalless, Gabon are certain not to surrender easily in this opening match.

Cameroon vs Gabon Predicted Lineups – December 2025

Cameroon (4-2-3-1)

Cameroon have a full squad to choose from, with attention focused on new captain Bryan Mbeumo.

The Manchester United player will carry his nation’s hopes in Morocco, particularly in the absence of Aboubakar.

Pagou has also excluded goalkeeper Andre Onana from the squad and has chosen Devis Epassy as the first-choice goalkeeper, a player who is also trusted as one of the team’s three captains.

Karl Etta Eyong of Levante is enjoying an outstanding breakthrough season, having scored five goals in 12 La Liga appearances, and is now ready to attract attention at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gabon (4-2-3-1)

Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the team’s talisman, but he will miss the opening match due to an injury sustained in his last appearance for Marseille.

This situation shifts the spotlight onto Denis Bouanga, who has been outstanding in the MLS this season with 26 goals from 34 appearances for Los Angeles FC.

Mario Lemina’s extensive experience in France and England will be invaluable for Mouyouma’s side as they seek to advance from Group F.

With the player compositions outlined above, this match is certain to be an intriguing contest. The Cameroon vs Gabon lineups December 2025 indicate that both teams possess different strengths and characteristics, which could result in an intense battle from the opening minutes until the final whistle.