Gabon gave themselves a great chance of making the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations thanks to Jim Allevinah’s 88th-minute strike, which sealed a 1-1 draw with Ghana.
Once again shorn of talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed out due to “cardiac lesions” after contracting COVID-19 last week, the Panthers fought back on Friday.
Andre Ayew had lashed four-time AFCON champions Ghana ahead in the 18th minute with a powerful shot on the turn from just outside Gabon’s area.
It was a brilliant effort from the Black Stars’ captain, who according to Opta had only a five per cent chance of converting the opportunity, but the venom on his shot got the better of Gabon goalkeeper Jean Noel Amonome.
Yet it was the only attempt Ghana managed to get on target and they were made to pay late on when a quick free-kick caught their defence cold, with substitute Allevinah drilling in a low finish.
Ayew’s angry reaction at full-time resulted in a fracas on the pitch, with the referee then showing a post-match red card to Ghana’s Benjamin Tetteh, who punched a Gabon player in the face before seemingly fleeing the scene.
Gabon are on four points in Group C, with leaders Morocco now through. Ghana, meanwhile, must beat Comoros to stand a chance of progressing.
FULL-TIME! #TeamGabon – #TeamGhana
A late goal through Allevinah earns Gabon an important point against Ghana. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #GABGHA pic.twitter.com/rTIj7oP2me
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2022
