Hosts Equatorial Guinea advanced to the second round of the
Africa Cup of Nations for only the second time in history after beating Gabon
2-0 in the last round of Group A matches.
Esteban Becker’s men had the full support of the majority of
the crowd at Estadio de Bata who sang and danced from the off and were handsomely
rewarded with a classy performance from the hosts.
Knowing only a win would see them avoid the unwanted record
of being the first host nation to fail to qualify to the next round in 18
years, the Nzalang Nacional came off the blocks quicker than their more fancied
opponents. They created the first two chances of the game before Gabon captain
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spanned his team’s first real threat at goal, his header
drawing a fine save from Felipe Ovono.
With the first half thin on chances, Gabon came out flying
in the second half and created two early chances with Ovono called into action
in both occasions. However, it was the hosts who took the lead against the run
of play, Javier Balboa converting a penalty after Lloyd Palun was adjudged to
have fouled him in the box.
Iban Salvador confirmed the hosts’ entry into the next round
with a second goal four minutes before the final whistle.
Congo topped the group after beating 2013 finalists Burkina
Faso 2-1. After a goalless first half, Thievy Bifouma opened the scoring for
Claude Le Roy’s side 6 minutes into the second interval. The Burkinabe needed
victory to advance and Aristide Bance gave them a fighting chance with an 86th
minute equalizer but N’Guessi Ondama ensured the Congolese wouldn’t be denied
restoring their lead immediately after the restart.
This is the first time Congo have progressed past the group
stage since the 1992 Africa Cup on Nations edition.
And That's thesteifmastertake!!
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