Gabon vs Morocco – Towards the next round
Gabon and Morocco lock horns on Tuesday in Yaoundé, as curtain draws on Group C of the ongoing TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.
Already qualified Morocco leads the group on six points, two more than Gabon that look on their way to the next round but will need a point to secure that. Ghana (1 point) and Comoros (no points) face in a simultaneous kickoff in Garoua.
Match Card
Date: 18 January 2022
Time: 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT)
Venue: Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé
Group: C
Match: Gabon vs Morocco
Gabon – A second round within reach
Gabon is second in this group C, with four points, thanks to a victory over the Comoros (1-0) and a draw with Ghana (1-1) in the previous matchdays. It is now time to confirm and a simple draw would be enough to qualify for the second round.
What they said
Patrice Neveu (Coach, Gabon)
"I had the opportunity to follow the matches of Morocco. They have a solid team. We know that it will not be an easy match. And for you to be in a competition of this magnitude, you have to take the necessary precautions. Unfortunately, we will not be counting on Aubameyang and Mario, we have decided that they must return to their clubs for a more careful medical follow-up. I will have to make some adjustments with the players I have. We are prepared and organized, and our goal is to win the game and move on."
Axel Meye (Forward, Gabon)
"It was not easy for me because I miss the first game after testing positive for Covid-19. It was a difficult moment to digest because I wanted to contribute. Still, I hope to be an asset to the team. I feel better in all aspects, and I'm fit for tomorrow's game. The absence of Aubameyang and Mario is felt, we are strong when we are together... but, it is important to put health first. Aubameyang has asked the team to stick together and that is what we will do."
Morocco – Retain the lead of the group
Morocco’s Atlas Lions lead the group with a winning streak after beating Ghana 1-0 and Comoros 2-0. The Maghreb team is thus already qualified for the next phase of the competition, an objective that Gabon is also on track to achieve.
What they said
Vahid Halilhodzic (Coach, Morocco)
"It is a fact that all the participants in this tournament face the same challenges. The hardest part is when it comes to making choices. I have to manage 28 players and that hasn't been an easy task. We want everyone to play to boost morale. Our objective in the game against Gabon is victory. Aubameyang is a great player and it's bad for Gabon that he's not playing. and good for us! Our biggest ambition is to win this match, despite the obstacles we have to face."
Adam Masina (Defender, Morocco)
"For me it's important to be here and to join my team. To represent my country and be part of this tournament is important I am here to give my unconditional support to my teammates and as the coach said it is important that we lead in first position. I do not know if the victory will be Gabon's or ours but the only assurance is that there will be a nice fight on the field”.