Pro Soccer

Gabon 3-2 Morocco

Jan 27, 2012

This is the 28th African Cup of Nations (CAF) featuring teams such as Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, and Gabon. This tournament is usually held every two years, but it will be held next year as well so that it will then occur in odd numbered years so as not to conflict with the World Cup. The first edition of this tournament took place in 1957.

Co-hosts of the tournament Gabon came into this second group match against favorites Morocco, who have provided such players in the past as AZ Alkmaar’s Abdelkrim El Hadrioui.

Even with the other co-hosts’ – 150th world ranked Equatorial Guinea – incredible run so far that has stunningly put them into the next round after two wins in their two matches, this match proved the best so far in the tournament, and one of the best matches you will ever, ever see.

Morocco opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Houssine Kharja scored.

The score remained 1-0 in Morocco’s favor for most of the next hour.

With the hosts Gabon pressing for the entire second half and looking the better team, they not only equalized but took the lead with two goals in as many minutes.

It all started with Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the 77th minute when he scored an equalizer that sent the home supporters into an absolute frenzy, so much so that a crowd of fans left their seats and came onto the sidelines of the pitch.

After several minutes passed to calm the fans and restore order, play resumed and it didn’t take long for the frenzy to reignite.

Daniel Michel Cousin made it 2-1 for the hosts with a brilliant turn around move in the box to dodge defenders and slot the ball between the keeper and the far post.

Gabon were visibly and rightfully full of confidence and in sheer control, and after 90 minutes with their 2-1 lead appeared to be cruising to victory.

But then incredibly in injury time, Morocco were awarded a penalty, and they converted to make it 2-2 and silence what was the loud party the Gabon fans were throwing in the stands.

When Gabon were awarded a free kick just outside the area in the 98th minute, up stepped substitute Bruno Zita Mbanangoye to take what was virtually the final kick of the match.

He curled his direct kick over the wall and into the upper corner of goal past the diving Morocco keeper for the most absolutely thrilling of winners, 3-2, sending Morocco home and Gabon into the next round, and their fans in Libreville into the start of yet another frenzy – one that would no doubt last all night long.