AFCON 2021: A disappointing result for the AFCON debutant, as they lost to Gabon
Comoros chance of qualifying to the next round of the Africa Cup of Nations hangs in the balance after suffering a defeat in the hands of Gabon.
Though, Comoros has the higher percentage of ball possession at full time (66%) and Gabon (34%), Gabon triumphs over the AFCON debutant.
the Coelacanths only register one goal on target in the whole 90 minutes while Gabon register two goals, in which one was a goal.
Gabon took the lead early in the game, after 16 minutes, through Aaron Boupendza, following a beautiful assist from Louis Ameka Autchanga.
This goal appears to be the only goal scoring opportunity throughout the first-half as both struggles to register another goal on target.
As the second half gets underway, Comoros coach, Amir Abdou substitute Kassim Abdallah for Falz Mattoir in a tactical move. It yields instant result as it improves their possession, but the Panthers defended very well.
Comoros came close to equalizing in the 53rd minute through Youssouf M’Changama, however, he misses the target by few inches.
Comoros kept pushing forward, but the Gabonese kept holding them back.
Coach Abdou made five substitutes in search for goal, but they did not get it. Gabon hold the line of defense very well to see out the game and after the final whistle, it was Comoros 0 Gabon 1.
Gabon played without their captain Aubameyang who was ruled out of the match due to covid.
Comoros failure of not getting at least a single point in this game could spell doom for their hope of qualifying to the next round, and make history.
Unless they can cause an upset against the two giants, Morocco and Ghana, it is unlikely the Coelacanths will make it out of the group stage. Comoros is schedule to play Morocco on January 14. While Gabon will lock horns with the Black Stars later on the same day.
