January 11, (THEWILL) – Gabon defeated Comoros in the second Group C match of the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday evening courtesy of a lone goal by Aaron Salem Boupendza.
Gabon, who were missing their star captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the encounter, made their intentions clear from the start at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon.
In the first ten minutes, the Panthers had multiple chances at goal, but Boupendza’s 17th minute tight-angled effort was the game-winner.
Boupendza was allowed to gallop into the area and shoot the ball into the roof of the goal past goalkeeper Ahamada Ali Nadhoim after the Comoros defence failed to clear a long cross.
Comoros pressed forward with purpose towards the box of the Gabonese in the 22nd minute but they were unable to capitalise on the opportunity. With his rapid dribbling skills, Panthers’ Jim Emilien Ngowet Allevinah continued to cause problems for the Comoros team.
Amir Ed Dine Abdou, the Comoros coach, pushed his players forward in the second half, as they appeared more composed and created more chances for Gabon to score.
Gabon came close to scoring again after 71 minutes, but Comoros goalkeeper Ahamada Ali Nadhoim parried Athanase Dennis Bouanga’s tight attempt for a corner.
The Comoros team did not give up, as Gabon goalkeeper Jean Noel Amonome needed to be alert to knock a shot back into play, hit sublimely by substitute Djoumoi Moussa.
Both teams continued to create scoring opportunities, but they lacked the finishing touch to make these opportunities count and no further goals were scored for the remainder of the fixture.
Gabon is now tied for first place in Group C with Morocco, who beat Ghana’s Black Stars by the identical 1-0 margin.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
