Morocco were trailing twice against Gabon at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde but the Atlas Lions managed to maintain their outstanding record of only one defeat in 32 matches. Coming into the game both teams knew that a draw would see them both into the Round of 16, but that didn’t stop the Panthers from aiming for top spot in Group C, knowing the winner of the group would get one of the best third-place teams in the next round – final score 2-2.AFCON 2021: Senegal book last 16 place despite lackluster draw against MalawiAFCON 2021: Brave Warriors go down fighting against GuineaIn the early exchanges both sides struggled to build any forward momentum, with most the game being played in the middle of the park. That was until the 22nd minute, when Jim Allevinah made it 1-0 to Gabon. The goal came from Jean-Noël Amonome’s goal-kick which bounced over a falling Sofiane Chakla, allowing the Clemront striker to go through 1-on-1 with Munir Mohamedi in the Moroccan goal, dinking the ball past him for the lead.GOAL! GABON!Who needs Lemina, when you have Jim Allevinah.Gabon 🇬🇦 1-0 🇲🇦 Morocco#AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/mmbudyd7QV— African Insider #AFCON2021 🏆 (@African_Insider) January 18, 2022 As half-time approached the game really opened up, which allowed Gabon more opportunities to catch Morocco on the counter, which almost resulted in a second goal on a number of occasions.The second half started off in a similar fashion to the first, with limited chances and Morocco applying the pressure to the determined Gabon defence. Youssef En-Nesyri nearly equalised for Morocco, in what was a carbon copy of Gabon’s opener, but the striker was deemed offside. They finally got their goal on the 73rd minute as Boufal converted from the penalty spot after it was deemed that André Poko had fouled him in the box.That seemed to have ended proceedings until Allevinah’s cut-back was poked into the net by Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd to restore the Gabonese lead. That lasted mere moments as Hakimi curled home a fantastic free-kick to put Morocco through as top of the group. While Gabon will feel heartbroken at losing the lead so close to the end, they will feel pleased to still progress to the Round of 16.AFRICA CUP OF NATIONSGroup CTuesdayGabon – Morocco 2-2 (1-0)/Allevinah 21, Aguerd 81 og – Boufal 74 pen, Hakimi 84/Ghana – Comoros 2-3 (0-1)/Boakye 64, Djiku 77 – El Fardou Ben 4, Mogni 62, 85/
©FlashScore