The last day of the first phase of CHAN 2014 is set to unfold this afternoon with matches of the third day in group D. While Gabon is expected to have a relatively calm match against Mauritania, the clash between Burundi and DR Congo promises to be fiercely contested.
After a reserved start against Burundi’s Hirondelles, Gabon rebounded strongly in their quest for a quarter-final spot by defeating DR Congo in the second-day fixture. Currently holding 4 points, the Gabonese team is positioned in second place in the group. The outcome of their final match against Mauritania will play a crucial role in determining their progression, and even a draw would be sufficient for them to advance to the next round.
Stéphane Bounguendzas, the coach of Gabon, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver a commendable performance. He acknowledged the upcoming challenge against Mauritania, stating, “It will not be an easy match against Mauritania, who will want to end the tournament with a victory. But we will do everything we can to seize the opportunity to finish first in our group and aim to go far in this tournament, unlike the second edition in Sudan in 2011 where our country was eliminated in the group stage.”
With the goal of topping group D and avoiding a quarter-final encounter with Ghana’s Black Stars, Stéphane Bounguendzas and the Gabonese team are determined to negotiate the match successfully against the Mourabitounes. The outcome of this fixture will significantly impact their journey in the CHAN 2014 tournament.
