Group D Preview, Key Players

January 11th, 2010 | by: Matt | Comments Off

Before we proceed with this article, lets please take a moment to think about those who lost their lives in the cowardly attack by separatists in Cabinda. May they rest in peace, and we shall hope no further harm comes to anyone participating in this years tournament.

Group D

While group B may have been considered initially to be the ‘Group of Death’, group D is no slouch. Containing perennial contenders Cameroon, multiple world cup participant Tunisia, as well as southern African upstart Zambia, it will be an extremely difficult group for Gabon to emerge from. Nevertheless, Daniel Cousin and co will surely favor their chances to progress.

Cameroon – A side Gabon will be very familiar with, having faced them twice during World Cup qualifying. Although the Panthers lost both matches, they acquitted themselves well, and even super Lion Samuel Eto’o has expressed fear over their opening match with Gabon.

Tunisia – Still smarting from their failure to qualify for South Africa, the Carthage Eagles will nevertheless be a dangerous opponent. This is a match Gabon will view as the key if they would like to progress to the final eight.

Zambia – The Copper Bullets may be considered the underdogs of the group, but will be confident is using this status to their advantage. Manager Herve Renard has targeted the quarterfinals as a realistic goal, but time will tell if the southern African side can overcome their more accomplished opponents.

Gabon Squad

1 Didier Ovono (Le Mans)
2 Yves Bitseki Moto (Bitam)
3 Rodrigue Moundounga (AS Mangasport)
4 Boris Nguéma Békalé (USM Libreville)
5 Georges Ambourouet (Makedonija)
6 Bruno Ecuele Manga (Angers)
7 Moïse Brou (Brest)
8 Aymard Moro Mvé (KV Mechelen)
9 Ernest Akouassaga (Nantes)
10 Arsène Do Marcolino (Les Herbiers)
11 Paul Kessany (Istres)
12 Thierry Issiémou (Monastir)
13 Cédric Moubamba (Dhofar)
14 Arsène Copa (Győr)
15 Bruno Zita (Sivasspor)
16 Alain Djissikadié (Mazembe)
17 Daniel Cousin (Hull City)
18 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Lille)
19 Fabrice Do Marcolino (Stade Laval)
20 Eric Mouloungui (Nice)
21 Willy Aubameyang (Eupen)
22 Erwin Nguéma Obame (Bitam)
23 Alexander Ndoumbou (Marseille)
Coach: Alain Giresse

Talisman Daniel Gabon will be looking to lead the Azingo Nationale out of the group stages, but he will also be assisted by ample talent. The Aubameyang brothers provide buckets of ability, while Fabrice Do Marcolino will look to bag the goals in front.

With the opener against Cameroon on Wednesday in Lugango fast approaching, lets hope the Panthers are ready to take it to their opponents and qualify for the second round!