Gabon has successfully staged a comeback to qualify for the final phase of CHAN 2014. After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg against Cameroon, the Gabonese Panthers managed to level the score, and with a 7-6 advantage in penalty shootouts, secured their place in the tournament. This marks the second time, following 2011, that Gabon will participate in this competition specifically for players active in local African championships.
Despite the loss, Cameroon remains in contention as they will enter the playoffs against the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were defeated by Congo two weeks ago.
Gabon now joins the 12 already qualified countries for the tournament scheduled in Nelson Mandela’s home country. Two additional playoff matches are set for the weekend, with Mozambique facing Angola in the southern zone and Zimbabwe taking on Zambia.
