Follow the live updates in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C second game between Ghana vs Gabon at the Stade Amadjou Ahidjo in Yaounde
Match updates
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac says he expects his strikers to be efficient in the game against Gabon later today (Friday) at the Stade Amadou Ahiadjo in Younde, Cameroon.
The Black Stars lost their opening game against Morocco on Monday courtesy of a Sofial Boufal goal in the 83rd minute.
Milovan Rajevac who has been contracted to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is confident his team will bounce back against the Panthers of Gabon.
"I expect the team to be efficient in front of the post. We have studied the Gabon team and I know my players are prepared for the game", the Serbian trainer said at the pre-match conference on Thursday.
Rajevac also admitted there is pressure on the team to deliver after losing to Morocco, but they can turn that pressure to sometime positive.
"Yes there is always pressure and coaches are used to it. Gabon match is the most important and we are hoping the players can channel it to something positive.
"We have the opportunity to win the first three points. We are prepared and the players are ready", he added.
Starting line ups
Ghana
Milovan Rajevac has made just one change to the Ghana team that lost their opening game at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations for the crucial clash against Gabon.
The Serbian has decided to go with Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, while Joseph Paintsil, who was impressive on Monday against Morocco, starts on the bench.
Kyereh has been in great form at club level this season, scoring five goals and assisting nine for St Pauli who are battling for promotion to the Bundesliga.
Our team for the today's job ?? #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #BlackStars | #BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/b0zneFoX6R
— Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) January 14, 2022
?? Partey ?? Auba ?? Pepe ?? Elneny ?? Rekik
? Best of luck to our five players taking part in #AFCON2021
? Thomas kicks off our involvement at the tournament with #TeamGhana this afternoon!
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 10, 2022
Gabon starting XI
? Selon la commission médicale de la CAF, les joueurs Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Axel Meyé et Mario Lemina à peine sortis du Covid ne peuvent pas prendre part à ce match. Les examens présenteraient des lésions cardiaques. la CAF n'a pas voulu prendre de risques. pic.twitter.com/cebUnMLSVX
— Fédération Gabonaise de Football - FEGAFOOT (@fegafoot_gabon) January 14, 2022
Jean Noel Amonome (GK) Anthony Henri Oyono Bruno Ecuele Manga (C) Junior Assoumou Johann Obiang Guelor Kanga Serge Junior Ngouali Andre Biyogho Poko Louis Ameka Autchanga Denis Bouanga Aaron Boupendza
Game is about to start in a few minutes
The two teams are out of the tunnel onto the pitch for the national anthem
01' Daniel Amartey with a timely header to clear a dangerous cross into the Ghana box
Gabon with earlier incursions in the opening minutes
Baba Iddrisu loses the ball, danger for Ghana, but Alexander Djiku with a block to save the situation
05' Bruno Ecuele Manga with a chance for Gabon but has been saved
Gabon asking all the questions in the opening minutes
12' Kamaldeen Sulemana has been fouled, referee whistles for a foul
14' Jordan Ayew sends in a nice cross into the box but nobody is there to connect
Goal oooooo Andre Ayew scores for Ghana
29' Daniel Amartey saved a deadly situation for the Black Stars with a timely clearance to prevent the Panthers of Gabon from getting an equalizer
40' It's Ghana 1-0 Gabon
45' It's Gabon 0-1 Ghana
Half time
Second half underway
46' Gabon with a chance in the opening minutes but has been cleared by Djiku for a corner kick
Jordan Ayew wins a corner kick for the Black Stars
In the 61st minute Jojo Wolocot came up with a brilliant save to deny Gabon from scoring
Baba Iddrisu pulled up an injury and has been replaced by Joseph Paintsil