Gabon will hope to put the events of the past few days behind them with a return to action against Morocco on Tuesday.
The Africa Cup of Nations clash promises to be a key one between Group C’s top two, with Morocco guaranteed a place in the last-16 and their opponents virtually secured at least a best-third-placed berth.
After wins against Ghana and Comoros, the Atlas Lions have made themselves serious contenders for a first AFCON crown since 1976.
Gabon’s results have also been positive, including a late draw against Ghana last time out, but off-the-pitch controveries surrounding the condition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina threaten to derail their campaign.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Gabon vs Morocco is scheduled for an 7pm GMT kick-off on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde will host the match.
Where to watch Gabon vs Morocco
TV channel: The match will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the Sky Go app.
Gabon vs Morocco team news
Gabon’s camp has been hit by the bizarre handling of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina’s Covid cases.
The Arsenal striker is heading home due to “cardiac lesions” while Lemina quit international football on Monday evening, tweeting: “I'm not even going to feed the lies that seek to harm me by wanting to solve the problems around this selection too much, it is you who exposes yourself. There is nothing more to do. I put an end to it all.”
Axel Meye has also sat out the tournament so far for the same reason, but has not yet been confirmed to be leaving the camp.
Morocco could be unchanged from their win over Comoros, unless coach Vahid Halilhodzic wants to rest players for the knockouts.
Gabon vs Morocco prediction
Morocco are setting out their stall as a serious contender for the AFCON crown while Gabon’s unusual antics off the pitch may disrupt their plans on it.
Morocco to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Gabon won one just one of their last eight meetings with Morocco.
Gabon wins: 9
Draws: 3
Morocco wins: 6
