Congo stop Gambia in AFCON qualifier, Mauritania hold Gabon

Congo made amends from their opening day loss in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Wednesday after pipping Gambia 1-0 in Brazzaville.

The Red Devils revive their qualification chances by claiming a vital 1-0 victory to go level on points with Gambia with leaders Mali facing South Sudan later on.

Gambia boss Tom Saintfiet named an unchanged squad from their narrow victory over South Sudan a few days ago with Assan Ceesay, Ablie Jallow, Musa Barrow, Ebrimah Darboe all making the start list.

Baboucarr Gaye retained his position between the sticks for the Scorpions. He hasn't looked back ever since taking the number one spot at the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.

Congo head coach Paul Put made wholesale changes to the team that were thumped 4-0 by Mali in the first round match in Bamako last Saturday.

Pavelh Ndzila was preferred to Christoffer Mafoumbi in the goalposts whereas Thievy Bifouma, Ravy Tsouka Dozi and Guy Carel Mbenza who were the only retained players in the starting list.

The first period of the encounter was balanced as both teams got 50 percent each of the entire ball possession. Both teams failed to register a single shot on target from the numerous goal attempts.

The Red Devils found the back of the net despite being dominated by the Gambians slightly with a sumptuous strike from Makoumbou.

Makoumbou was set up by Vieljeux Mboungou to put Congo ahead in the match in the 74th minute in what turned out to be the winner.

Meanwhile, Gabon maintained their undefeated run in the race to the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifications after drawing 0-0 with Mauritania on the same day.

The Panthers who were playing at home at the Stade de Franceville couldn't penetrate a very solid Mauritania defence as both teams will take a point each in Group I.

The draw means the Mourabitounes who are unbeaten under new coach Amir Abdou will lead the group standings on goals difference as they level on points with Gabon.

The next round of fixtures in Group G will see Congo come up against South Sudan in back-to-back matches. Mali will also face Gambia.

Mauritania take on DR Congo while Gabon will tackle Sudan in the next two rounds scheduled to take place in September.