CHAN 2016: Gabon, Morocco in stalemate

Gabon and Morocco settled for a barren draw in their Group A clash on Saturday at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali.

Both sides failed to find the back of the net in a game watched by over 20,000 fans who stayed on after the tournament opener between host Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire, which the former won 1-0.

The result keeps the Amavubi at the summit of the Group with three points, Gabon and Morocco in that order with a point each and Cote d’Ivoire at the bottom pointless.

Both teams struggled in search of their feet in the opening minutes despite the encounter being played under seemingly perfect climatic conditions of about 21 degrees.

The first half witnessed a few dangerous situations at either ends whilst Gabonese goalie Yves Bitsoko remained resolute when it mattered.

The best chance perhaps came just before the break but Moroccan forward Abdeladim Khadrouf’s effort went off target.

The second half was no different with both sides coming close a couple of times as far as the deadlock was concerned.

Midway through, Morocco goalie Mohammed Amine Bourkadi scored full marks with a swift save from Ondo Biyioghe’s goal-bound shot.

The Gabonese showed more vivacity, showed some nice footwork but were equally helpless in front of goal whilst Morocco held on to snatch a point.

Les Pantheres’ will next play host Rwanda on Wednesday, January 20, 2015 whilst Morocco squares Cote d’Ivoire both at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali.