Host nation Cote d'Ivoire won a dramatic match 3-2 against Gabon in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage encounter on January 1, 2026. The Elephants secured a last-gasp victory in a match that had everything, including a late red card and a stoppage-time winner. Gabon took a shock two-goal lead within the first thirty minutes, stunning the home crowd. Cote d'Ivoire fought back with a goal before halftime and an equalizer midway through the second half. Gabon had a man sent off for a second yellow card with ten minutes left, and the Ivorians capitalized, scoring the winner from a corner in the 93rd minute to send the stadium into delirium. The win put Cote d'Ivoire on the brink of qualification, while Gabon were eliminated. The Ivorian manager spoke of incredible belief and spirit, while the Gabon coach was heartbroken by the manner of the defeat.