GABON put themselves on the verge of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final ahead of the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The former Arsenal skipper missed out with minor heart problems following his recovery from Covid.
And Ghana looked like they might benefit from Aubameyang’s absence in the first half when Andre Ayew fired in a brilliant strike to give them the lead.
But with three minutes left, Jim Allevinah drove the ball into the bottom corner to give Gabon a crucial point.
The drama didn’t finish there however, with Andre Ayew and the Ghana team appearing to erupt in fury at the Gabon coach after the final whistle.
That result in a brawl in which Ghana’s Benjamin Tetteh appeared to punch a Gabon player then retreat down the tunnel.
The Algerian referee then flashed a red card after being prevented by security from following him.
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Gabon XI: Amonome; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Assoumou, Obiang; Kanga, Ngouali, Poko; Bouanga, Autchanga; Boupendza.
Ghana XI: Wollacott; A.Kyereh, Amartey, Djiku, Rahman; Baba, Partey; Sulemana, D.Kyereh, Andre Ayew; Jordan Ayew.
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That’s all from the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Allevinah’s late goal puts Gabon one step closer to the knockout stages.
The Panthers have a tough task on their hands as they face group leaders Morocco on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Ghana need a win against Comoros.
But, their place in the next round is far from guaranteed.
Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
Elsewhere in AFCON today
- Senegal 0-0 Guinea
- Malawi 2-1 Zimbabwe
- Morocco 2-0 Comoros
Next up in Group C
The final round of games in group C will take place on Tuesday January 18.
Gabon take on group leaders Morocco.
Ghana take on Comoros.
What that result means
Ghana now have one point meaning that they need to win their next fixture if they want to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
Even if they do defeat Comoros, their fate in the competition will be decided by Gabon who have four points.
If the Panthers draw or win their next game it’ll guarantee their place in the next round.
Credit: AFP Full Time – Gabon 1-1 Ghana
Replays show that Tetteh punched Boupendza in the face.
The striker is shown a red card from the referee for violent conduct.
Full Time – Gabon 1-1 Ghana
Some commotion has broken out on the pitch between the players and officials seem to be getting involved.
Ghana are visibly frustrated with the result.
Security are surrounding the referee.
Credit: AFP Full Time – Gabon 1-1 Ghana
Allevinah’s late strike salvages a point for Gabon to increase their hopes of progressing to the next round.
Ghana will be disappointed with that result.
90+1. Gabon 1-1 Ghana
Ghana make a double substitution.
Both Ayew brothers come off and are replaced by Tetteh and Issahaku.
90. Gabon 1-1 Ghana
Allevinah carries the ball into the box before unleashing a low driven strike into the bottom right corner!
The striker has been fantastic since coming on.
Credit: Reuters
89. GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL GABON!!!!!!
Super-sub Allevinah draws Gabon level!
85. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon create another opportunity as Boupendza makes his way into the box.
He has two defenders in front of him but attempts the shot which hits the side netting.
Only five minutes to go.
80. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
J.Ayew lines up a free kick just outside the penalty area.
His fantastic effort is sent narrowly wide of the post.
75. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
J.Ayew does well to skip past Uneme Ella on the right before he is challenged by Allevinah.
The Panthers have a corner, but nothing comes of it.
Gabon make another substitution as Ameka comes on to replace Moucketou-Moussounda.
71. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Kanga strikes from distance but his effort is comfortably saved by Wollacott.
Gabon continue to press.
67. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon make another substitution
Martinsson Ngouali is replaced by Uneme Ella.
65. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Ghana make another substitution.
Baba is replaced by Paintsil.
62. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon are throwing everything at their opposition right now.
The Panthers drive down the left before the ball is sent into the box.
Djiku gets a touch on it but it falls to Obiang whose strike is headed clear by Rahman.
60. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Ghana make their first substitution of the night.
Sulemana is replaced by Addo.
59. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon come close to equalising as the ball is sent over to Allevinah.
The striker attempts to get a touch on it but Amonome does well to come out and claim.
Credit: Reuters 57. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
There is a brief pause in play as Yiadom is treated for an injury.
The defender is set to play on.
52. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon make the first change of the night.
Allevinah replaces Bouanga, who is evidently not happy about being substituted.
46. Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon create the first opportunity of the half.
Obiang sends a cross into the box which is headed behind by Djiku.
Kick Off – Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon get us underway for the second half.
Neither side have made any changes so far.
Half Time – Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Gabon have released a statement about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The striker is out of the squad as a precaution due to “cardiac lesions”.
Half Time – Gabon 0-1 Ghana
A.Ayew’s fantastic strike is all that separates these two sides going into the second half.
The game has been fairly even so far and could still go either way.
Credit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
