Aaron Boupendza’s first half beauty of a goal was enough to hand Gabon a win over wasteful Comoros in the African Cup of Nations on Monday evening.
Comoros nearly took the lead after Benjaloud Youssouf’s corner kick caused a melle in the area but Gabon’s players collectively cleared the ball away from danger.
Moments later, El Fardou Ben hit the ball hard on goal but his shot was blocked diverting it away from the direction to find the goal.
In the 16th minute, Aaron Boupendza placed Gabon in the driving lead after picking a pass in the box which he later roofed in the back of the net past Comoros custodian Ahamada Nadhoim.
Comoros stepped up in motion to search for a leveller. However Rafidine Abdallah sends a long ball over the middle park to meet Kassim Abdallah but his powerful effort went wide.
Mohamed Youssouf decide to go for beauty through a volley but it missed the target denying Comoros a chance to level matters at the start of the second stanza.
Comoros continued to squeeze for a leveller. Moussa Djoumoi took a decent shot on goal but Gabon custodian Jean Noel Amonome comfortably collected it to keep the result intact.
The two sides will return to action on Friday, January 14 as Comoros face-off against inform Morocco while Ghana will lock horns with Gabon.
How they lined up
Comoros XI: Ahamada Nadhoim (Gk), Abdallah Kassim, Younn Zahary, Youssouf M’changama, Kassim M’dahoma, Raffidine Abdallah, Ben Youssouf, Mohamed Youssouf, El-Fardou Mohamed, Said Bakari, Iyad Mohamed.
Gabon XI: Jean Noel Amonome (Gk), Sidney Mboumini, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Johann Serge Obiang, Aaron Boupendeza, Lloyd Palun, Jim Emilien Allevinah, Guelor Kaku, Loius Autchanga, Andre Poko, Athanase Bouanga
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