As if paralyzed by a qualification acquired the day before, without even playing their last two qualifying matches for the next African Football Cup of Nations (CAN TotalEnergies 2025), the Gabon panthers were seriously corrected this Friday on their stadium installations renovation of Franceville, by the Lions of the Atlas of Morocco, boss size. Final score, 5 goals to 2.
Unrecognizable in all respects, totally overwhelmed and swallowed up in the midfield, the Gabonese presented a very poor image, conceding in quick succession, from set plays, three (3) goals in six (6) minutes, respectively in the 17th20th et 27th minutes. Harkass responded to Denis Bouanga who opened the scoring with a clear strike, for the equalizer, before Brahim Diaz scored twice. 3 goals to 1 at half-time.
Same sluggishness in the second period where, despite some attempts on the left flank where Bouanga showed himself to be enterprising to say the least, coach Thierry Mouyouma’s team will never be able to worry the opposing defense and goalkeeper. Mouyouma’s questionable coaching, with equally questionable replacements in defense and midfield, will not allow the Panthers to find the verticality and depth they are looking for.
The protégés of coach Walid Régragui will quite logically worsen the score at the end of the game, at 81th et 90th minutes, through Enesiri and Sabari. The visitors took advantage of the passivity of a defense and a goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba, who shone with a very poor reading in the aerial game with risky and uncontrolled exits.
Although qualified, the heavy defeat of Gabon questions, as much as it calls for an immediate and vigorous response, between now and the opening of the next CAN, in 4 months in Morocco. This loss is a pill that is all the more bitter to swallow as in the two home and away confrontations, against Morocco (which confidently flies over Group B with 15 points), the Panthers conceded a total of 9 goals (4-1 in first leg) against the Atlas Lions.
During the 6th and last day next Monday, November 18, Gabon (7 points -3) will play against the Central African Republic (last in the group, with 3 points), at the Bloemfontein stadium, in South Africa. Morocco will play at home, against Lesotho (4 points – 4).
Feeodora Madiba
2024-11-15 23:16:00
#Cold #shower #Panthers
How can Gabon improve their chances in the upcoming African Football Cup of Nations following this performance?
**Interview with Samuel Mbanga, Football Analyst, on Gabon’s Heavy Defeat to Morocco**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Samuel. What are your initial thoughts on Gabon’s performance against Morocco?
**Samuel Mbanga:** Thank you for having me. Gabon’s performance was quite disappointing. They looked extremely unprepared and overwhelmed from the start. To concede three goals in just six minutes is indicative of a serious lapse in concentration and tactical awareness. This was not the same team that had been competing successfully in their qualifying matches.
**Editor:** You mention a tactical lapse. What specific areas did they struggle in?
**Samuel Mbanga:** The midfield was particularly problematic. The Gabonese players seemed disconnected and couldn’t maintain possession or support the defense. It appeared as though they were caught off-guard by Morocco’s set pieces, and this gap in their defensive organization led to quick goals. Additionally, the defensive line lacked cohesion, which left them exposed to Morocco’s quick attacks.
**Editor:** Denis Bouanga scored for Gabon early in the match. Did that give you any hope for a comeback?
**Samuel Mbanga:** Initially, yes. Bouanga’s goal was a moment of brilliance, but it turned out to be inconsequential. Even with that goal, the team’s ability to build momentum was stifled. They didn’t capitalize on the spark he provided. After that, Morocco quickly regained control and restored their lead, completely derailing any hope Gabon had for a comeback.
**Editor:** Coach Thierry Mouyouma’s choices have been questioned. How significant do you think his decisions were in this match?
**Samuel Mbanga:** Coaching decisions are always crucial, especially in high-stakes matches like this. Mouyouma’s tactical choices and substitutions raised eyebrows. His reluctance to make changes when the team was clearly struggling in midfield is perplexing. Moreover, the failure to adjust the strategy in the second half meant that Gabon could not respond effectively to Morocco’s attacks, leading to this humiliating defeat.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what does this mean for Gabon’s campaign in the upcoming African Football Cup of Nations?
**Samuel Mbanga:** This defeat is a wake-up call for Gabon. They must regroup and reassess their strategy ahead of the tournament. If they continue to play with such disorganization and fail to find their rhythm, they will struggle to make an impact. It’s crucial for the coaching staff to analyze this performance critically and ensure the team is mentally and tactically prepared.
**Editor:** Thank you, Samuel, for your insights. Let’s hope Gabon can bounce back and perform better in their next outings.
**Samuel Mbanga:** Thank you for having me. It will be interesting to see how they respond.
