Goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba has been ruled out of their upcoming friendly against Senegal due to a left thigh injury sustained during training. The announcement comes as Gabon prepares to face Senegal in a highly anticipated match scheduled for Friday evening in France.
Mbaba, who was regrouping with the squad in Amiens ahead of the friendly encounters against Senegal and Congo Brazzaville, was forced to withdraw from the team following the injury.
The news was confirmed through an official statement released by the Gabonese Football Federation, indicating that Mbaba would be unable to defend the Panthers’ goal during the international break.
According to reports, Mbaba suffered the injury to his left thigh muscles after a fall during training, resulting in his immediate exclusion from the upcoming matches.
The statement further revealed that Mbaba, who currently plays for Bouake FC, will be sidelined for approximately three weeks as he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation.
The absence of Mbaba deals a significant blow to Gabon’s goalkeeping department, coming just days after another goalkeeper, Denis Bouanda, was retained by Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS).
With Mbaba sidelined, Gabon will need to rely on alternative options to fill the void between the posts as they prepare to face a formidable Senegalese side.
Despite the setback, Gabon remains focused on the challenge ahead, determined to put up a competitive performance against Senegal in Friday’s friendly encounter.
The match promises to be a test of strength and skill for both teams as they fine-tune their preparations ahead of future international competitions.
As Gabon regroups and adjusts to the absence of Mbaba, all eyes will be on the team as they take to the field against Senegal, with fans eagerly anticipating an exciting and closely contested match between the two African footballing nations.
