The hosts of major tournaments often receive a major boost that sometimes see them defy expectations, and watching Equatorial Guinea dispatch a technically superior Gabonese side with a screaming stadium at their back certainly lends credence to that claim.
The final round of games in Group A was finely poised, with all four sides in with a chance of qualification. Gabon challenged the hosts, whilst Congo looked to seal their spot with a win over Burkina Faso.
Equatorial Guinea picked up a 2-0 win in a memorable encounter in front of a packed home crowd, whilst Claude Le Roy’s Congo dispatched Burkina Faso by 2-1.
Gabon was the better side for a long while in their game, but an inspired performance by Felipe Ovono in posts for the hosts kept the game level well past half time.
The first half began at a furious pace, either side proving good on the ball with lighting quick build up play. Gabon had the better opportunities, captain Aubameyang coming closest with a powerful header that was turned away by the hosts’ number one.
Javier Balboa was the most dangerous player for Equatioria Guinea, and turned the game on its head when he won, and converted a penalty after 55 minutes of play.
Lloyd Palun’s outstretched leg brushed a marauding Balboa, and despite a late theatrical fall the referee adjudged the contact to have been enough.
Gabon never recovered from that blow, and substitute Salvador Edu put the result beyond doubt with a shot on the rebound, 3 minutes from time.
Group A’s other contest was an exciting affair as much as the other, 2013 finalists Burkina Faso facing an uphill challenge to avoid a first round exit just two years after reaching the final.
Claude Le Roy’s Congo however, has so far proven a tight unit to break down; and it emerged that after 90 minutes they picked up the 2-1 victory.
Thievy Bifouma put Congo ahead in the 51st minute, but Aristide Bance drew the Stallions level 4 minutes from time. Needing an additional goal to put themselves in a position to qualify, Burkina Faso conceded immediately.
A cross was horribly misjudged by goalkeeper Sanou, leaving N’Guessi with the easy task of tapping into an empty net to send Congo through; having picked up 7 points out of a possible 9.
Equatorial Guinea picked the second qualifying spot, having amassed 5 points from their three games.
Group B ends tomorrow, with Tunisia, Zambia, Cape Verde and DR Congo fighting for the two available spots in the quarter finals.