Gabon 1-1 Guinea-Bissau
Africa Cup of Nations debutants, Guinea-Bissau scored a late-late equalizer to earn a draw with 2017 hosts Gabon in the opener at the Stade De L’Amitie D’Angondje in Libreville.
Borussia Dortmund star striker Pierre-Emerick Emiliano Francois Aubameyang tapped home in the 52nd minute in a game played under humid conditions.
The hosts dominated either halves against the AFCON debutants who staged a spirited fight and managed a late goal through Juary Marinho Soares’s diving header.
Malick Evouna, Llyod Palun and skipper Aubameyang got close in the opening 45 minutes but the Bissau defence and goalkeeper Jonas Mendes proved a hard nut to crack.
Guinea-Bissau skipper Jose Mendes Lopez got close towards the end of the first half but his long-range effort was deflected out for their only corner of the half.
Gabon returned into the second half an energized side, forcing three quick corners in six minutes.
By the time of the goal, the writing was clearly well spelt on the wall, the home team had a mission at hand before the lively fans who included the President, Ali Bongo.
Aubameyang tapped home Denis Bouanga’s telling ball inside the six yard area for the opener in the 52nd minute as the crowd ran erratic.
With the goal down, Guinea-Bissau head coach Cande Baciro called out Benjamin Parfait Ze Ondo for Piqueti Djassi Brito E Silva on the hour mark.
Five minutes later, Nanisso Mendes Soares replaced Abel Camara.
Moments later, Gabon’s Jose Antonio Camacho made the first change.
Kaku Kanga Guelor, who plays at Etoile Rouge De Belgrade came in for Mario Rene Junior Lemina before Andre Biyogo Poko came in for Abdoulaye Tandjigora Koumba.
Gabon called for the final change of the day when Malick Evouna paved way for Serge Kevyn.
The final drama and shock to the host nation came at the stroke of full-time with Soares’ late equalizer.
Presidents Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon and Guinea-Bissau’s José Mário Vaz attended the game in a rare show of solidarity.
Team line ups:
Gabon XI: Didier Ovono Ebang (G.K), Aaron Christopher Billy Ondele Appindandoye, Abdoulaye Koumba Tandjigora, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Johann Serge Obiang, Malick Evouna, Lloyd Palun, Pierre Emerick Emiliano Francois Aubameyang, Mario Rene Junior Lemina, Athanas Denis Bouanga, Didier Ibrahim Ndong
Subs: Franck Obambou, Levy Clement Madinda, Samson Mbingui, Aboue Angoue Serge Kevyn, Cedric Ondo Biyoghe, Anthony Leandre Mfa Mezui, Andre Biyogo Poko, Serge Junior Bertil Nicolas Martinsson Ngouali, Benjamin Parfait Ze Ondo, Yoann Claude Wachter, Yves Stephane Bitseki Moto
Head coach: Jose Antonio Camacho Alfaro (Spain)
Guinea-Bissau XI: Jonas Mendes, Tomas Dabo, Silva Rudnilson, Jose Luis Mendes Lopes (C), Silva Junior Francisco, Abel Camara, Mendes Soares Nanissio, Juary Mariho Soares, Brito E Silva Toni, Soares Agostinho, Joao Mario Nunes Fernandes
Subs: Emmanel Gomis Mendy, Lassana Camara, Mendes Umpeca Eridson, Bocundji Ca, Papa Masse Fall M’baye, Frederic Mendy, Leocisio Julio Sami, Piqueti Djassi Brito E Silva, Idrissa Camara, Aldair Djalo Balde, Muhammed Youssuf Cande, Rui Suleimane Camara Dabo
Head coach: Baciro Cande (Guinea Bissau)
Match officials:
Center Referee: Ghead Grisha (Egypt)
Assistant Referee 1: Redouane Achik (Morocco)
Assistant Referee 2: Waleed Ahmed Ali (Sudan)
Reserve Referee: Lemghaifry Bouchaab (Maurtania)
Commissioner: Said Belkhayat (Morocco)
General Co-ordinator: Anthony Baffoe (Ghana)
