AFCON 2015: Gabon and Congo Goalless at Half-Time in Group A Derby
By BBC Sport Africa
Bata – 21 January 2015
There’s nothing to separate Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville at half-time in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash, with the score level at 0-0 in a tightly contested Central African derby.
The Gabonese Panthers have enjoyed the better of the first 45 minutes, impressing with their pace and direct attacking play led by star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Frédéric Bulot, and Malick Evouna. Jorge Costa’s side are showing confidence and cohesion as they look to follow up their 2-0 opening win against Burkina Faso with another strong performance.
Gabon have focused on a compact shape in their own half, opting to strike on the counterattack, using the speed and movement of their attacking trio to catch the Congolese defence off guard. Their quick transitions and aggressive pressing when out of possession have allowed them to dictate large spells of the game.
But Congo, coached by the experienced Claude Le Roy, have not been passive. The Red Devils remain a threat, especially on the flanks, with Thievy Bifouma proving to be the danger man. His pace and directness have unsettled the Gabonese defence on several occasions.
Despite Gabon’s upper hand in terms of possession and territorial control, clear-cut chances have been limited at both ends, with defences standing firm and goalkeepers relatively untested so far.
With qualification to the quarter-finals on the line—particularly for Gabon, who could seal their passage with a win—the second half promises to bring more urgency and attacking intent from both teams.
Stay tuned for second-half updates from Estadio de Bata as this all-important Group A encounter continues.
