By AFP 10 January 2022 | 9:21 pm Aaron Boupendza stepped up in the absence of Covid-stricken Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to earn Gabon a 1-0 victory over Africa Cup of Nations debutants Comoros on Monday. Gabon’s forward Aaron Boupendza celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Group C Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Comoros and Gabon at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde on January 10, 2022. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP) Aaron Boupendza stepped up in the absence of Covid-stricken Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to earn Gabon a 1-0 victory over Africa Cup of Nations debutants Comoros on Monday. Arsenal star Aubameyang and midfielder Mario Lemina missed their team’s opening Group C fixture in Yaounde after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Qatar-based Boupendza struck the lone goal on 16 minutes, smashing the ball high past Comoros goalkeeper Ali Ahamada from a tight angle after being played in by Louis Ameka Autchanga. Comoros forward Moussa Djoumoi nearly equalised in the second half with a fierce long-range shot that Gabon goalkeeper Jean-Noel Amonome shovelled wide. The Indian Ocean islanders are one of two teams appearing at the continental tournament for the first time, along with Gambia. Only three of 11 newcomers have reached the knockout rounds since the turn of the century, although Madagascar did make it to the quarter-finals at the first attempt in 2019. Gabon are participating for the eighth time. They have twice advanced to the last eight, in 1996 and 2012. Patrice Neveu’s side moved level on three points with Morocco, 1-0 winners over Ghana earlier in the day. Gabon will be hoping Aubameyang can return in time to face Ghana in their second match on Friday, while Comoros have their work cut out with upcoming opponents Morocco ranked 104 places above them. Latest 17 mins ago The joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative has trained and economically empowered 150 Gender-Based Violence survivors in vocational training on culinary arts, fashion design, make-up, event planning, decoration, and baking. 33 mins ago The turnout at the recently concluded climate summit was impressive and loaded with declarations and pledges for net zero emissions. However, whether (and how fast) countries redeem their pledges has nothing to do with what their diplomats said in Glasgow…. 50 mins ago Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo has assured manufacturers of government support to enable them to get good returns on their investment. 1 hour ago According to Governor David Umahi, National Assembly members that are agitating for direct primaries have no structures in their respective wards, claiming the governors are the ones keeping party alive. 1 hour ago The Managing Associate, SRJ Legal, Mr. Osita Enwe, has stressed the need for adoption of partnership model in running law firms. The senior lawyer said law firms evolving into partnership would guarantee longevity…
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