After recuperating from Coronavirus, Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to start against Ghana in Friday’s AFCON match.
On the eve of the competition, the Arsenal striker tested positive for COVID-19 and thus missed his country’s opening match against Comoros.
The Panthers, on the other hand, managed to win despite the absence of their captain, due to a lone goal from Aaron Boupendza.
Gabon will advance to the round of 16 with a win vs Ghana, and Aubameyang’s return has increased the team’s prospects.
Meanwhile, Gabon coach Patrice Neveu and two other players have been ruled out of the match against Ghana due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Anicet Yala, the Panthers’ assistant coach who will take over the team on Friday, verified this.
“We’ve got Mario and Aubameyang back, but certain players have gone back into the red zone – Lloyd Palun and, tragically, sadly, (central defender) Sidney Obissa,” Yala told Goal.
“Coach Patrice is also not here since he tested positive and is being held in isolation per Caf instructions.”
He also announced that, despite only recently recuperating from COVID-19, Aubameyang will start against Ghana.
“Naturally, when a player of Aubameyang’s caliber returns, things have to shift about up-front.”
“We’ll make sure Mario, who wasn’t there [against Comoros], and Aubameyang are in the correct location to maximize Gabon’s chances [of defeating Ghana], and we’ll make sure everyone is in the proper place to maximize Gabon’s chances,” Yala added.
Source: TheBBCghana.Com
