AFCON 2021: Gabon v Ghana Preview and Prediction
The Black Stars of Ghana faces the Panthers of Gabon as both sides go to their second match in Group C in the ongoing 33rd Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaounde.
Both teams are coming into the game full of high hopes as Gabon emerged 1-0 victorious over Comoros in their group opener while Ghana Black Stars conceded a defeat with the same score against Morocco.
Despite having to do it without their inspirational captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon did the needed business in their opener against debutants Comoros with Aaron Boupendza as their hero to thank, netting the match winner.
The game proves to be a difficult mission for Gabon as Ghana are eyeing revival for their quest to win the trophy after 40 years.
However, the pressure will be on Ghana as another unfavorable result could just mean the Black Stars are in real trouble and will be left with no point after losing to Morocco as well.
Gabon are coming into the game much boosted in squad as their captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina return from Covid 19 treatment, with the duo missing their win on the group opener against Comoros.
Now with Aubameyang available again, the Panthers will look forward to completing the business with another win or a draw that could see them book a place in the round of 16.
At the Black Stars camp, Mohammed Kudus is yet to return from club side Ajax who are currently basing camp in Portugal. Wakaso Mubarak was seen training separately yesterday at the Stars last session before the game today and is doubtful for the all important game.
Captain Andre Ayew will be in action as he has recovered from the head injury he picked in the game against Morocco a as he returned to training yesterday.
Speaking at the presser before on Thursday, head coach of the Black Stars Milovan Rajevac spoke on team Ghana’s readiness for the game and that their main focus remains to win all three points.
“We will definitely keep our tricks and try to be more efficient. Our focus is on tomorrow’s game and we are ready. It’s true that there is a lot of pressure, but a coach has to know how to deal with all that. We are going into this game to get the three points.”
Black Stars forward, Richmond Boakye Yiadom put some few words at the presser to lift the spirit of the playing body and that of the fans.
“Our motivation is high, and the team is focused on winning. We know that our fans expect a lot from us. Our aim is to win the game and fight for the trophy. We are all prepared. As a striker, I hope to score, and we are here for that. I believe we will win the game.”
At the camp of Gabon, Assistant coach Anicet Yala shared his thoughts on the return of team captain Aubameyang and his team’s determination.
“We have 28 players at our disposal, and we will seek for solutions among the group. It’s always good to count on players like Aubameyang. The group will be stronger. We will go into this game with the same determination as always. We know it won’t be an easy game, but I believe in the quality of my players and their talent.”
Johann Obiang, defender for Gabon was confident of his side winning the game especially with the return of lethal forward Aubameyang.
“Only victory matters to us. Our motivation is high and we’re aware that we’ll be up against an African football colossus. We are also happy with the return of our teammate Aubameyang. He is an important person for the group and transmits experience to all of us.”
This will be the first time Ghana will be playing Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations despite meeting on five occasions, Ghana getting the better of Gabon with 3 wins against 1 and a draw.
The last time the two teams met was in an international friendly Noember 2011 with Ghana winning 2-1.
Gabon has co hosted the tournament with Equatorial Guinea in 2012 and hosted it alone in 2017 but their best performance came in 1996 and 2012 when they reached the quarterfinals.
However, Ghana has won the tournament on four occasions; 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. In recent times the Stars were at the finals in 2015 where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.
Algerian referee, Lahlou Benbraham will be the man in charge of the game with kick off at 7pm GMT.
PREDICTION
Gabon 1-2 Ghana
