CAN 2023 (Q): Aubameyang and Gabon eliminated

Handicapped by the expulsion of goalkeeper Jean-Noël Amonome, Gabon lost to Mauritania (1-2) this Saturday in Nouakchott. A defeat with serious consequences for the Panthers who are eliminated from CAN 2023.

The return to the selection of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina will ultimately not have helped Gabon to qualify for CAN 2023. The Panthers were eliminated from the competition after their defeat this Saturday against Mauritania. Against an opponent within their reach, the team of coach Patrice Neveu lost with a score of 2-1.

The Mauritanians immediately seized the opportunity presented to them, because in the first minutes of the match, Gabonese goalkeeper Jean-Noël Amonome was sent off, leaving his team reduced to ten players.

The locals quickly took advantage of their numerical advantage to score two crucial goals in the first period. Hemeya Tanjy opened the hostilities at the half-hour mark, closely followed by Aboubakar Kamara, whose precise shot found the back of the net in the 42nd minute.

The second half saw both teams less prolific, although Gabon managed to reduce the gap by scoring a goal in the final moments of the match, thanks to a late strike from Didier Ndong in added time.

At the final whistle, it was Mauritania who celebrated their deserved victory, winning 2-1 over Gabon. This resounding triumph allows Mourabitounes to climb to second place in Group I with a total of 10 points, just behind the Democratic Republic of Congo, leader of the group with 12 points. The Mauritanians will therefore go to Ivory Coast, host of this 34th edition which will be held from January 13 to February 11, 2024.