Gabon Edge Past Comoros

Gabon defeated Comoros 1-0 in their first 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C match at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Cameroon on Monday night.

The Panthers were the better side in the opening stages, but it was Coelacanths, who threatened first through Youssouf M’Changama.

The Comoros midfielder connected with Saidi Bakari’s cross which was well-saved by Jean Amonome in Gabon goal-posts in the seventh minute.

Meanwhile, Guelor Kaku ‘s long range effort a minute later, sailed just wide of Ali Ahamda’s post.

Gabon opened the scoring in the 15th minute, as Aaron Boupendza slotted home for his first of the tournament, from Andre Poko’s delivery.

Ali Ahamada then made up for his poor goalkeeping through the first half, as the Coelacanths number one got down well to deny Lloyd Palun’s powerful strike.

Athanase Bouanga should have doubled Gabon lead minutes after the restart, as Sidney Mboumini picked out the striker, who managed to head over from three-yards out.

Said Bakari nearly brought the Islanders level in the 72nd minute, as his strike crashed against the upright.

Comoros pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Patrice Nevue’s charges managed to hold on for the hard-fought win.

How they lined up:

Comoros: Ali Ahamada – Kassim Abdallah, Younn Zahary, Kassim M’Dahoma – Iyad Mohamed, Rafidine Abdullah, Mohamed Youssouf, Said Bakari – Youssouf M’Changama

Gabon: Jean Noel Amonome – Johan Obiang, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Lloyd Palun, Sidney Obissa, Andre Biyogo Poko, Guelor Kanga, Denis Bouanga, Aaron Salem Boupendza, Louis Ameka Autchanga – Jim Allevinah