Comoros v Gabon – First adventure for the Islanders
The Comoros' unprecedented qualification to the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021, was undoubtedly an authentic surprise to the most septic king-sport lovers, having crossed paths with giants such as Egypt, Togo and Kenya in the qualifiers. It will be up to Gabon to perform the baptism to this daring rookie, this Sunday, in a match to count for Group C.
Match Card
Date: 10 January 2022
Time: 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT)
Venue: Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo,Yaoundé
Group: C
Match: Comoros vs Gabon
After Madagascar (2019), Cape Verde (2013), the Comoros Islands go down in history and have a say in this competition. With no big names in their squad, Amir Abdou's team will have reinforcements to evolve in French football, as are the cases of Fouad Bachirou and Ahmed Mogni.
The Comorian coach will also have strong support from forward Mohamed Youssouf of AC Ajaccio and his team compatriot Youssouf Ibrahim.
The Gabon Panthers are assiduous clients of AFCON, having participated in the last three of the last four editions of the tournament, will certainly seek to pluck the first three points to the freshmen (Comoros). Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the star major, is hoping to reach the semi-finals and erase the bitter experience of 2017 when his team eliminated early in the stage after coming third.
This will be the eighth appearance of representatives from central Africa at this event.
In addition to Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal of England) the team led by Patrice Neveu will have Johan Obiang and as Saint Etienne forwards Denis Bouanga and Meye Axel of the Moroccan team Ittihad Tanger.
_Photos @fegafoot_gabon @fedcomfootball
What they said
Amir Abdou (Coach, Comoros)
"It's a prestigious competition and we've been working very carefully thinking about the first game. We will do the best for our debut. It was on our own merits that we qualified for AFCON and not something of chance. We do not have big names, but rather to form a great team to achieve success. We will remain committed and work selflessly in the confidence to achieve our goals."
El Fardou Ben Mohamed (Captain, Comoros)
"For me and my colleagues it's something special to be here. Every player dreams of playing in an AFCON or the World Cup. We are pleased and proud of it. We are prepared and focused on winning the first points. We are in a strong group and we must take all precautions.”
Patrice Neveu (Coach, Gabon)
"We know that we will have an opponent who participates for the first time in the AFCON and that does not mean that we will have an easy game. Still, we want to get the best result. Our first objective is to defend the interests of our country. We want to convey the message of responsibility and commitment to work to the people of Gabon.”
Anthony Mfa Mezyi (Goalkeeper, Gabon)
" The most important thing is to represent and defend the interests of my country. We have left behind the problems of the past and want to look forward with optimism. We respect all the opponents in our group and winning will be important to moralize the team.”