U23 AFCON: Niger defeat Gabon 1-0

Niger scored their first goal in the competition as they punished wasteful Gabon with a solitary goal at the Grande Stade Ibn Batouta.

Gabon enjoyed much possession but was kept at bay by the Nigerien defense, forcing the first stanza to end in a stalemate.

After missing clear goal-scoring opportunities, Gabon were punished when the referee awarded Niger a penalty after Urie Michel Mboula fouled Abdoul Salam Boulhassane, which was perfectly connected by Aboud Moumouni.

Egypt and Niger jointly lead group B on 4 points and will meet Gabon and Mali in their last fixtures, in which a draw result will see them through to the semi-finals.

Egypt and Niger jointly lead group B on 4 points and will meet Gabon and Mali in their last fixtures, in which a draw result will see them through to the semi-finals.

The best three teams in the tournament will automatically qualify for next year’s Olympic games in Paris, France, while the 4th-placed team will have to play an Asian opponent for a chance to play in the summer olympic games.