| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 9. Pierre Aubameyang (30’) | |
| 7. Stephane Nguema (45’) |
Gabon breeze past Niger
Gabon have breezed past minnows Niger in their opening 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash played on Monday.
The Stade d'Angondjé in Libreville was in
party mode before a ball had been kicked, but erupted in great joy at the final
whistle as the home side picked up a deserved three points in their quest for
the knockout stages.
First-half strikes from Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang and Stephane Nguema were enough for the win, while Niger look out of
their depth at this level, their surprise qualification at the expense of Egypt
and South Africa looking even more of a shock based on this display.
Stand-out player for the home side was
undoubtedly Aubameyang, with his pace and direct running, he at times terrorised
the Niger defence.
Having missed a fairly simple chance just
minutes earlier, he did get on the scoresheet on the half-hour mark, heading
home at the back post from the excellent Stephane Nguema’s cross.
The Nigeriens were physical in the
challenge all game and arguably were lucky to escape a red card with Seychelles
referee Eddy Maillet allowing the overly robust challenges.
The home side had their second just seconds
before the half-time break when Nguema got on the scoresheet, Aubameyang's
header from a left-wing cross was well saved by Niger goalkeeper Kassaly
Daouda, but Nguema was on hand to tap home the rebound.
It was the perfect time to score as well,
taking the stuffing out of whatever fight Niger had left in them.
The second period was largely forgettable,
bar a few half-chances for Aubameyang and Eric Mouloungui, though the home
faithful will have been delighted to see the late introduction of local legend
Daniel Cousin, back from a five-month injury lay-off.
Niger finished the game with 10 men when,
having used all three of their substitutes, Moutari Amadou had to be
stretchered off through injury.
They did have one final chance to get
something from the game, but striker Moussa Maazou could not direct his header
past Didier Ovono in the home goal.
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