Angola prepare for the final game of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Gabon on Monday, with nothing at stake after both sides have already had their fates sealed.
The hosts are destined to finish rock-bottom of the group, whereas Gabon are already assured of a place at the finals tournament and will be vying for top spot in Group D over the Gambia.
Match preview
© Reuters
Africa Cup of Nations regulars between 2006 and 2013, Angola will not get the chance to build on their group-stage finish in the 2019 tournament, with only one point from five games condemning them to a fourth-placed finish in their qualification group this time around.
Gambian forward Assan Ceesay struck his third goal in qualification on Thursday to propel his side to a 1-0 win over Angola on matchday five - a result which confirmed what many expected as Angola slumped to yet another defeat, although it would have taken nothing short of a miracle for them to make the top two had they managed to take the spoils in that game.
A goalless stalemate with Congo - the other eliminated side from Group D - represents the only positive result for Pedro Goncalves's men during qualification, and Angola have now failed to score in any of their last three matches, as Spezia forward M'Bala Nzola's debut ended in disappointment last week.
The inclusion of Leeds United's Helder Costa would have no doubt helped Angola in their efforts to make the net ripple, but the former Portugal international - who has only recently switched allegiance to the African nation - has not travelled with his new teammates due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
All in all, Angola will be thrilled to see the back of this qualification campaign - one which they have mustered a mere two goals in - and the visit of the group leaders is hardly what the doctor ordered for Goncalves's men even without the threat of a rejuvenated Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
For all of his struggles on the red side of North London this season, Aubameyang continues to produce the goods when it matters most for Gabon, as he scored one and set up another in his side's 3-0 triumph over Congo in midweek.
The 31-year-old's 27th goal for his country came after Aaron Boupendza and Denis Bouanga had already found the back of the net on the night, and that result sealed Gabon's progress to the final tournament, where they return after missing out on a place at Egypt 2019.
Patrice Neveu's side responded perfectly to their 2-1 defeat to the Gambia at the end of 2020, and they now find themselves level with their rivals on 10 points after five matches, but Gabon sit top of the table courtesy of goal difference and head into Monday's game knowing that their place in the finals is already assured.
Gabon have made a bit of a habit of winning one then losing one across all competitions, but even though their only away match of 2020 ended in defeat to the Gambia, they will be travelling to the Angolan capital Luanda brimming with confidence and with their sights firmly set on top spot in Group D.
Boupendza and Bouanga also found the back of the net when Gabon met Angola earlier in the tournament, and Neveu's side ran out 2-1 winners in that fixture back in November 2019.
- L
- L
- D
- L
- L
- W
- L
- L
- D
- L
- L
- D
- W
- W
- L
- W
- D
- W
- L
- W
- L
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Angola forward Nzola will hope to be given another chance up top this week, especially as 12-goal forward Gelson Dala missed the loss to the Gambia through injury and remains doubtful for this one.
As well as Leeds winger Costa, experienced defender Bastos and Birmingham City's Jeremie Bela have not linked up with the team due to the ongoing viral outbreak, but Goncalves could switch it up with little but pride to play for here.
Herenilson will attempt to open his account for Angola at the 34th time of asking here, while Va and Geraldo could challenge Nzola for a place up top.
With a place in the finals already guaranteed, Neveu has no need to call upon his biggest stars this week, and he will already be without Aubameyang and Mario Lemina as travel restrictions continue to bedevil managers.
Thursday's goalscorer Boupendza and Kevin Mayi have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus, although the former is suspended anyway, and a reshuffle in attack would allow Fahd Ndzengue the chance to score his first goal for Gabon at the second attempt.
The void left by Lemina in midfield could be filled by 63-cap Andre Poko, who only appeared as a substitute against Congo, while 19-year-old defender Anthony Oyono will hope to earn his first cap for the national team here.
Angola possible starting lineup:
Marques; Buatu, Quinito, Matuwila; Joao, Show, Herenilson, Paizo; Fredy, Va, Papel
Gabon possible starting lineup:
Amonome; Palun, Manga, Nguema, Obiang; Poko, Kanga, Ngouali; Kouakou, Ndzengue, Bouanga
We say: Angola 0-1 Gabon
With Gabon facing the prospect of losing three attackers for this match, including the effervescent Aubameyang, it would be folly to back another convincing win similar to that of their display against Congo. However, the gulf in class between these two nations has been evident throughout qualification, and while we are expecting a rather low key affair with nothing on the line, Gabon should do enough to grind out a narrow victory and qualify for the finals as group winners.
Ben Knapton
