SAN FRANCISCO, November 16, (THEWILL) –Â In Banjul, The Gambia had only one choice to keep their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification chances alive: to win. That was the mission coming up against Group D leaders Gabon on Matchday 4. And, it was mission accomplished with a 2-1 victory on Monday.
The Gambians took advantage of Anthony Mfa Mezui’s howler to open the scoring in the 49th minute. In his struggle to clear the ball, the Gabonese goalkeeper gave Modou Barrow the chance to put Gambia ahead.
But, Mezui made up for that when he came to Gabon’s rescue after 66 minutes, impressively stopping Ablie Jallow’s shot. But, for all his efforts, it was to be 2-0 for the hosts a few minutes later. Barrow scored again to complete his double for the fixture.
In the 89th minute, the Gabon Panthers narrowed the gap, thanks to an Ecuele Manga goal. Yet, it was insufficient to win them any points.
It was Gabon’s first defeat in the group and it allowed Gambia join them on top of Group D with 7 points each.
