Gabon gears up for AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Morocco
The Gabonese national football team, known as the Panthers, is intensifying preparations ahead of their crucial AFCON 2025 qualifying matches. Stationed at the Sofitel Hotel in Agadir, Morocco, the team is gearing up to face the formidable Moroccan squad on September 6, followed by a clash against the Central African Republic in Franceville on September 10.
With the countdown to the qualifiers underway, the Panthers have focused on conditioning and recovery during their initial training sessions.
The first day saw players engaging in light indoor activities and receiving necessary treatment.
However, the intensity is set to increase, with two rigorous training sessions planned for Tuesday, aimed at refining tactical strategies in anticipation of the upcoming match against Morocco.
As of Monday, the Gabonese squad is nearly fully assembled. Early arrivals included key figures such as captain Bruno Ecuele Manga, Loïc Owono Ella, Loyce Mbaba, Yannis M’Bemba, Jeremy Obounet, Junior Effaghe, Medwin Biteghe, Eric Bagnama Bocoum, and Sahvy Babicka.
Throughout the day, additional senior players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Guélor Kanga, Jacques Ekomie, Alan Do Marcolino, Anse Ngoubi, Alex Moussounda, Serge Ngouali, Nziengui Duchamp, Jeffe Biloungou, and the Oyono brothers, joined the camp.
The squad will be further strengthened by the arrival of Aaron Appindangoye, Urie Mboula, and David Sambissa, expected to report on Tuesday.
Denis Bouanga, who currently plays in the United States, is scheduled to join the team on Wednesday, completing the roster just in time for their first qualifying match.
Despite the positive progress in their preparations, Gabon has suffered some setbacks due to injuries. Jim Allevinah, the striker from SCO d’Angers, has been ruled out of both matches due to an adductor injury.
His absence has forced the team to call up young talent Alan Do Marcolino from Stade Rennais as a replacement.
This injury blow is compounded by the unavailability of Mario Lemina, who is sidelined with an injury sustained while playing for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and Roy Mouniengue, who is also out.
The loss of Lemina and Allevinah, both key players, poses a significant challenge for the Panthers.
However, the team remains resilient, with reinforcements like Jeff Biloungou, recently signed by Académica de Coimbra, stepping in to fill the void left by these absences.
The upcoming match against Morocco is expected to be a tough test for Gabon. The Moroccan team is known for its high-caliber football and poses a significant threat to any opponent.
However, history has shown that Morocco does not always have the psychological edge over Gabon, adding an intriguing dynamic to the encounter.
Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, is well aware of the challenge and is focusing his training sessions on tactical discipline, hoping to secure a favorable result.
In a boost to the squad, the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) announced that Shavy Babicka, the Toulouse FC striker, has joined the Panthers’ training camp after netting his second goal in Ligue 1.
His presence is expected to add firepower to the team as they prepare for the first of their AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
With the stakes high and the team nearly complete, Gabon is set to face Morocco with determination and a strategic approach, aiming to kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive note.
