Gabon lead group C, but sometimes things are not always as they seem. The Panthers got away with one, or rather three points after being dominated by Comoros. Ghana lost their opening fixtures in 2010, and 2015 but rallied together to progress from the group stages, and The Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew, is confident they can repeat history.
It’s matchday two in the #AFCON2021 and who are you backing? #TeamGabon or #TeamGhana?
Africa Cup of Nations – Group C
Friday 14 January
Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
21:00
To Win
Gabon 26/10 | Draw 17/10 | Ghana 11/10
Gabon
Just like every other team in AFCON’s matchday one, Gabon were missing key players in their opening fixture. Without Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nice midfielder Mario Lemina, The Panthers still put up a fight, but those integral players were sorely missed.
Aaron Boupendza’s 16th minute goal that came against the run of play was all it took to put Comoros away. There were not many chances after that for the Gabonese and they were lucky to get away with the victorys.
The counterattack gameplan is going to have to be first and foremost for head coach Patrice Neveu. Feeling out a game against Ghana will be difficult but choosing the right moments to take the game to Ghana will be crucial.
Ghana
Ghana found themselves playing their biggest challenge on matchday one, and despite showing a strong physical presence as always coupled with a good defensive display, their attack was almost non-existent.
After a rather cagey game the dying moments that bring an element of fear for either team ended with The Black Stars falling prey to an 83rd minute strike from Sofiane Boufal. After that, the game did open up a bit, and Ghana showed that they have a bit of fight in their veins but were lucky not to concede again.
Ghana cannot come into the game with Gabon utilizing the same tactics they did against Morocco. Ghana off the ball looked great, but having the ball wins the game. When in possession they need to control the game a lot more and be less wasteful when recovering it. Transitioning from Thomas Partey to the attacking midfielders looks to be the key, and a race for Mohammad Kudus to be fit is looking more and more likely to be the answer for head coach Milovan Rajevac.
Prediction: Ghana win (11/10)
Although Ghana did not totally impress against Morocco, it was to no surprise. Gabon were lucky to get away with three points against newcomers to AFCON, Comoros, and that will not be the case against The Black Stars. Ghana showed glimpses of what they can be, and against The Panthers, there is really no other way to put it – Ghana dominate.
