AFCON 2015: Gabon Look to Seal Quarter-Final Spot Against Congo
By BBC Sport Africa
Bata – 21 January 2015
Gabon will aim to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Congo-Brazzaville on Wednesday in a highly anticipated Group A encounter.
The Panthers, who made a strong start to their campaign with a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso, go into the match as favourites. However, Congo – under the guidance of veteran coach Claude Le Roy – showed resilience in their opening 1-1 draw against hosts Equatorial Guinea, and will pose a significant challenge.
Led by Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored in the opening match, Gabon have assembled a balanced and dangerous team. Coach Jorge Costa is expected to rely on a solid defensive core featuring Bruno Ecuélé Manga and Musavu-King, supported by the experienced Didier Ovono in goal.
The midfield trio of Levy Madinda, Didier Ndong, and André Biyogo Poko offers a blend of energy, control, and physicality. In attack, Frédéric Bulot and Malick Evouna will look to complement Aubameyang as Gabon aim to secure a second consecutive victory—an outcome that would guarantee their progression to the knockout stage.
Gabon Starting XI:
Ovono – Palun, Ecuélé Manga, Appindangoye, Obiang – Madinda – Bulot, Poko, Ndong, Aubameyang – Evouna
Meanwhile, Congo-Brazzaville are determined to earn their first victory in the tournament’s group phase in 15 years. Captain Prince Oniangué will anchor the midfield alongside Delvin Ndinga and Cesaire Gandzé, as the Red Devils look to frustrate their more favoured opponents.
Up front, Thievy Bifouma and Férébory Doré will lead the attack, hoping to capitalise on any defensive lapses from the Gabonese side.
Congo Starting XI:
Mafoubi – Moutou, Baudry, Nganga, Bissiki – Oniangué, Ndinga, Gandzé, Babélé – Doré, Bifouma
With both teams having taken points in their opening fixtures, the stakes are high. A win for Gabon would secure qualification, while Congo could take a major step toward the quarter-finals with a victory of their own.
