AFCON 2021: Gabon vs Ghana – Match officials, camp news; Aubameyang returns, Andre Ayew to lead the Stars, Kudus misses out

The day is set for Group C’s second encounter between the Panthers of Gabon and the Black Stars of Ghana in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana is hoping to earn first three points of the tournament to keep the round 16 qualifications hope alive after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeating to Morocco in the group opener on Monday.

Gabon has already snatched their first three points after defeating the debutants, Comoros by a goal to nil.

At this point of time, we try to update our readers and follows with a news from the camp of the two sides.

GABON;

News coming from the tournament venue, Cameroon indicates that Arsenal forward Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and will return back to the team’s squad to face Ghana this evening at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde.

On other hand, former Southampton player Mario Lemina is fully fit for the clash against the four times champions, Ghana and will be hoping to kick a ball anytime he is given the opportunity.

GHANA;

Regardless of the health status of the captain Andre Ayew, coach Milovan Rajevac will start the Al Sadd skipper as Ghana seek for first three points. Andre Ayew picked head injury during their clash against Morocco.

The Serbian tactician has also confirmed that Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus is likely to miss the entire tournament. As reported earlier, Kudus was expected to arrive before the clash but it was later revealed that the player’s arrival will not happen this week.

At last, Mubarak Wakaso is expected to start today’s clash. The midfielder missed Ghana’s opener against Morocco but has been training since the defeat and it is likely he will make the day.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Lahlou Benbraham from Algeria has been appointed as Centre referee for the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations second Group C match between the Panthers of Gabon and the Black Stars of Ghana.

The 36 year old will be assisted by Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim from Sudan (Assistant I), Seydou Tiama from Burkina Faso (Assistant II) and Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed Omar (Fourth Referee). Jean-Didier Masamba Malunga from the Democratic Republic of Congo will serve as the Match Commissioner while Latré-Kayi Edzona Lawson Hogban from Togo works as Referee Assessor.

Other officials include:

Helly Zafinimanga – General Coordinator – Madagascar

Khalilou Fadiga – Technical Study Group – Senegal

Jamal Fathi – Technical Study Group – Morocco

Dina Mohsen Medhat Hassan Radwan – Marketing Officer – Egypt

Aliou Goloko – Media Officer – Senegal

Thandi Merafe – Media Officer – South Africa

Ababacar Sene – Security Officer – Senegal

Mehdi Abid Charef – Video Assistant Referee – Algeria

Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Abouelregal – Assistant VAR – Egypt

Zakia Bartegi – Doping Control – Tunisia

Mady Diallo – Assistant General Coordinator – Mali

Joseph Kabungo – COVID-19 Officer – Zambia

The Gabon versus Ghana clash will take place at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaoundé on Friday, January 15, 2022 at 20:00Hrs.