Congo Shock Gabon to Go Top of Group A
BBC Sport – Africa
21 January 2015
Congo secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Gabon in their second Group A match at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, taking a significant step towards qualification for the quarter-finals.
The match, played in Bata, saw Prince Oniangué score the only goal early in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive error from a Gabon clearance. The Stade de Reims midfielder reacted quickly at the near post to steer the ball past goalkeeper Didier Ovono, handing Claude Le Roy’s side a historic win — their first in the final phase of the AFCON in 41 years.
Congo had drawn 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in the tournament opener, but this victory propels them to the top of the group with four points. Gabon, who impressed in their opening match with a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso, remain on three points.
Despite being tipped as favourites, Gabon were unable to find a response. Star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored in the opening fixture, was kept relatively quiet by a disciplined Congolese defence. The Panthers paid for their missed opportunities, with the Red Devils showing greater efficiency in the final third.
The result reshuffles the standings in Group A:
Congo lead with 4 points
Gabon sit second with 3
Equatorial Guinea have 2
Burkina Faso remain bottom with 1 point
The group remains open heading into the final round of fixtures on Sunday. Congo will face Burkina Faso, while Gabon meet hosts Equatorial Guinea, with all four teams still mathematically in the race for a quarter-final berth.
Victory for Congo confirms their resurgence under the veteran French coach Claude Le Roy, who is managing at a record ninth AFCON tournament. His team now needs only a draw in their final match to guarantee qualification.
