Ghana might be in some sort of trouble against the Panthers of Gabon on Friday.
COVID-19: Pierre Aubameyang, Mario Lemina Recover Ahead of Ghana Clash
The Black Stars, four time AFCON winners, faltered in the opening game against one time winners, Morocco on Monday where Anger forward, Soufiane Boufal’s 82nd minute strike separated the two sides.
Ghana have only come close twice to winning their first ever AFCON since the last edition held in 1982 in Libya.
The first opportunity presented itself twelve years ago in Angola where Ghana lost the finals 1-0 to now seven time champions, Egypt in the finals.
In 2015, Ghana and Western neighbors, Ivory Coast engaged in a marathon penalty shootouts in Equatorial Guinea with the latter claiming a 9-8 victory in the process.
The Black Stars must beat Gabon on Friday at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in the second game of the AFCON 2021 on Friday but must now think of dealing with the return of top duo, Pierre Aubameyang and Mario Lemina.
Pierre Aubameyang
Aubameyang and Lemina missed Gabon’s 1-0 opening day victory against Comoros after earlier testing positive for COVID-19.
The two players have since returned to training after tests have now proved negative. The return of the duo will be important for Gabon coach, Patrice Neveu who will look to qualify from Group C. Assistant coach, Anicet Yala has also returned to the fold following negative results of his COVID-19 tests.
Lemina, 28, has been a key member of French club, OGC Nice – playing 18 times and scoring a goal this season.
Pierre Aubameyang and team mates
Pierre Aubameyang on the hand has not been in the good books of Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta who has frozen him from recent match day squads and equally stripped him of the captaincy.
The former Borussia Dortmund forward has made 14 appearances for the Gunners, scoring four goals and providing an assist this season.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
