CHAN 2014: Nguema strike for Gabon downs DR Congo

Published on: 18 January 2014
CHAN 2014: Nguema strike for Gabon downs DR Congo
Kabi Tchen of Gabon celebrates his goal

Gabon beat DR Congo 1-0 in their penultimate 2014 CHAN Group A clash today in Polokwane to pick up their first win at the tournament.

Erwin Nguema scored the only goal of the match at Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The defender scored early in the first half to help his side collect maximum points, moving them to the top of Group D with four points, while DR Congo dropped to second with three points.

Nguema broke the deadlock in the second minute as he made a great run at the far post to head home from a corner.

Eddy Emomo had an opportunity to level the scores in the 11th minute but he failed to nudge the ball home following a great pass from Ndombe Mumbele.

The Leopards were then denied by a solid save from Bitseki Moto two minutes later as the Gabon goalkeeper dived to his right to parry Eric Nkulukuta’s freekick.

Lionel Yacounya failed to hit the target in the 25th minute, firing over the crossbar after using his skill to create some space on the edge of the penalty area.

The Nzalang Nacional had a great opportunity to double their lead three minutes into the second half when Bonaventure Sokambi found himself with only Kidiaba to beat, but the goalkeeper made a good low save to keep his effort out.

Ngoyi Emomo then fired wide from a long-range in the 52nd minute, while Samson Mbingui blasted his shot over the crossbar three minutes later.

The Leopards came close to netting the equaliser in the 76th minute but Jean Kasusula’s well-struck volley was parried by Bitseki, while Ebunga Simbi sent the follow-up effort wide.

Substitute Lema Mabidi also had a desperate attempt from outside the box in the 90th minute, but his effort sailed wide as Gabon held on for an important win.

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