Gabon, who were without their captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang because of ‘heart lesions’, scored a controversial equaliser through Jim Allevinah after Andre Ayew had put Ghana in front.
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African giants Ghana held to a 1-1 draw against Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations fixture at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Friday. Gabon, who were without their captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang because of ‘heart lesions’, scored a controversial and late equaliser through Jim Allevinah after Andre Ayew had put Ghana in front, early in the first half. Ghana are one more slip away from a group stage exit while the result helped Gabon to second spot in Group C with four points, 2 behind leaders Morocco, who defeated Comoros 2-0 earlier in the day.
?? #TeamMorocco en KO
?? #TeamGhana remporte sa première victoire .Le classement du Groupe C. ?#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #CAN2021 pic.twitter.com/e9QON12Rhs
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ? – FR (@caf_online_FR) January 15, 2022
Ghana, who had lost 1-0 to Morocco in the opening match on Monday, came out with a bit more intent and put their nose in front in the 18th minute. Ayew picked up Thomas Partey’s pass around 30 yards from goal, spun away from his marker before unleashing a strike past Gabon goalkeeper Jean-Noël Amonome.
Just when it looked like the Black stars could take all three points, Gabon leveled the score in the 88th minute. Daniel-Kofi Kyere had gone down following a challenge inside the Gabon half but, from the resulting throw-in, Guelor Kanga played the ball to substitute Allevinah, who struck a fierce left-footed shot past Jojo Wollacott and into the bottom right-hand corner.
Ayew protested to the referee Lahlou Benbraham about the goal and Ghana’s frustrations were summed up when most players got involved in a post-full-time scuffle. As a result, Ghana substitute Benjamin Tetteh was shown a red card after the final whistle for his part in the incident.
Ghana had a very good opportunity to get all three points against a toothless Gabon side, who barely threatened for most of the game. Defender Bruno Ecuele Manga had a first-half effort blocked well from close range. And then, Jordan Ayew’s free-kick went inches over the Gabon crossbar.
Ghana now desperately needs to beat Comoros in their final group fixture next week and hope they are one of the best third-placed teams who sneak through to the last 16 stage. Gabon, meanwhile, are in a much safer position to go into the next round.
In the other match of the group, Selim Amallah and Zakaria Aboukhlal netted as Morocco got the better of Comoros. Although the Atlas Lions were sloppy in front of goal they managed to secure all three points. Comoros goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina put in an impressive performance to keep the deficit to just two goals.
The North Africans took the lead in the 16th minute courtesy of a well taken goal from Amalllah in a crowded box. And then, one minute from time, Aboukhlal turned a shot past Boina to double the lead and seal the win.
