By James Robert Kayindi
After condemning Burkina Faso to a 2-0 defeat in their Group A opener, Gabon suffered their first defeat at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Congo by 1-0 yesterday evening at the Estadio de Bata stadium.
2014 African player of the year runner up Pierre Emerick Aubameyang came so close to putting his side into the lead in dying minutes of the first half but his 25 yard free-kick was punched out by the Congolese goalie to keep it 0-0 by half-time.
After a barren first half, Congolese captain, Prince Oniangue led by example when put his side forward three minutes into the second half when the Gabon’s defence failed to clear a corner out of the area.
Gabon dominated the attacks of the game but failed to put their chances to good use. In the 58th minute, Gabon came close to level matters but Levy Clement Madinda’s long range shot went off just inches over the crossbar as Congo defence continued to stand strong for the rest of the game earning them their first victory in the process after 41 years without a win at continental tourney.
In the other game of group A, 2013 AFCON runners up Burkina Faso earned their first point after sharing spoils with the hosts Equatorial Guinea in a goalless draw at the De Bata stadium.
The 2013 runners up lost 2-0 to Gabon in their first game of the campaign while hosts Equatorial where forced in to a 1-1 draw during the first match of this year’s continental tournament.
The results left Congo top of Group A with 4points, Gabon second with 3points, Equatorial Guinea third with 2points while Burkina Faso are bottom with just a point. Burkina Faso will need to win their last game against Congo if they are to have any chance of qualifying to the next level.
Meanwhile Congo will only require a draw in their last game to progress to the knock stage. Hosts of Equatorial Guinea must win their last match against Gabon if they are to reach the group stage while Gabon will be required of the same.
Email Robert: Robert.kcircles@gmail.com
