Good news for Gabon as it has been officially announced that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has recovered from coronavirus and will feature against Ghana in Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations clash.
The former Arsenal captain and teammate Mario Lemina contracted the virus just days before the start of the tournament and were subsequently ruled out for selection in Gabon’s first fixture against Comoros, a game which they won 1-0.
Having returned negative results, assistant manager Anicet Yala has confirmed that both players will be available for selection for the match against Ghana.
Gabon who are two-time Africa Cup of Nations finalists, will lock horns with the Black Stars of Ghana in their second Group C match and will be greatly boosted by the presence of their captain Aubameyang.
While Gabon are being boosted by the return of Aubameyang, they however, will be without head coach Patrice Neveu against Ghana as he has tested positive for the virus and is currently isolating.
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“We have registered the return of Mario and Aubameyang,” Lala told the press on Thursday, “But unfortunately some players have returned into the red zone — (right-back) Lloyd Palun and sadly, sadly, (central defender) Sidney Obissa.
“The coach Patrice is also not here because he tested positive, and as per CAF recommendations, he’s in isolation.”
When asked if both players were going to be thrust into the starting lineup, Lala said:
“Naturally, when you have a player of the value of Aubameyang who returns, things have to change around up front.
“Mario, who wasn’t there [against Comoros], and Aubameyang are two important players, they’ve played many games for the national side, and we’ll make sure everyone’s in the right place to maximise Gabon’s chances [of defeating Ghana].”
Lala will be in the dugout for Gabon against Ghana with their French head coach absent.
Gabon will hope to keep up their momentum against Ghana after the win against Comoros where Aaron Boupendza scored the only goal of the game in the first half to see off their counterparts.
Aubameyang revealed that he has tried as much as he could to stay fit in isolation and hopes to be able to help the team however he could.
“I got the opportunity to still be able to work in my room. I got a bike and made a circuit, trying to keep in shape as much as possible,” Aubameyang said via his country’s federation Facebook page.
“It’s not going to be easy, because it’s not the same as match rhythm or proper training but we’ll get it done.
“We’re going to play a very difficult opponent who needs to win the game, so we’ll have to be serious like we were in the first game. I know we’ll have our chances.” he concluded.
Gabon face a Ghana side that struggled in their opening game of the tournament, falling to a 1-0 defeat to Morocco. The Black Stars know they must bounce back against the Panthers in order to put themselves in knockout qualification contention.
The match will take place on Friday evening at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.
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