Gabon 2-2 Morocco: Panthers ‘Chase’ Morocco All The Way In Top Of Group C Battle

Morocco asserted themselves as group C leaders after a thrilling 2 – all draw against Gabon, in the third and last group C game of the AFCON 2021.

The Atlas Lions had to come from behind twice to match a resilient Gabon, who played their hearts out.

21 minutes into the game, goalkeeper Anonome’s long ball found Allevinah unmarked, and he went on to beat Yassine Bounou for one – nil Gabon.

Boupendza then had a few chances of his own, starting at the 30th minute, after great build – up from Oyono.

Due to the lack of cohesion, coach Vahid Halilhodžić had to introduce Selim Amallah in place of Ilias Chair.

Gabon continued to worry as Boupendza danced his way between Moroccan bodies before his side – footed attempt went agonizingly wide.

Gabon midfeilder -Kanga nearly bamboozled Yassine Bounou from over 30 yards, but the Seville goalkeeper matched the shot with a routine save.

From the resulting corner, Yassine Bounou brought out possibly the save of the tournament from Lloyd Palun’s header.

As Morocco kept searching for an Equaliser, cracks opened at the back. Wing back Oyono perfectly served Allevinah whose shot was without sting at the 57th minute. Two minutes after, those two combined once more, but the end result was the woodwork.

The Moroccan attack offered more impetus especially with the entrance of Soufiane Boufal, who created some chances.

Coach Vahid Halilhodžić’s call to bring in Boufal piad off at the 72nd minute.

A penalty was given after a coming together between goalkeeper Anonome and Boufal, due to a defensive mal – function. Boufal stepped up calmly to draw Morocco level (1-1).

At the 81st minute, Allevinah, a revelation at the tournament thus far, sprinted down the left before placing for Boupendza, who netted for 2-1, advantage Gabon.

Joyous scenes from Gabon supporters at the Omnisports Stadium were short-lived as Hakimi drew the game level, with a magnificent free – kick at the 84th minute.

Morocco sail through as top of the group (7 pts), while Gabon closely follows with 5 points. A schock result was obtained in the other group C game, which sees Ghana rock bottom with one point, whilst the Comoros finishes her tourney with three points.