Gabon had all the stars to kill off the game but a resilient Guinea-Bissau made sure the hosts worked up a sweat, forcing a share of points.
Also known as The Djurtus (African Wild Dog), Guinea Bissau started off their debut campaign on a high and even at one point, deserved to run off with the staked prize. Here is a player rating of the match opener.
GABON
Didier Janvier Ovono Ebang: 6/10. The 33-year-old KV Oostende goal keeper was on the brink of capping off a brilliant evening until Guinea’s Juary spoilt it for him.
Ecuele Manga: 4/10
Palun: 5/10, The Red Star player had been impressive but like Ebang, had his work ruined in the final minutes.
Johan Obiang: 4/10
Appinddangoye: 5/10. A huge influence, but his weariness became evident when Gabon conceded the last-gasp goal.
Tandjigora: 6/10. A rock in defense before getting subbed six minutes from time.
Didier Ndong: 7/10. Lived up to the billing like the giant he has always been for Sunderland.
Lemina: 4/10. One of Gabon’s star names but the Juventus ace had an anonymous outing prompting his substitution in the 73rd minute.
Dennis Bouanga: 7/10. One wonders whether his assist for Gabon’s goal was an intended pass or a cross nonetheless, it managed to nutmeg his marker and found Aubamayeng who made the simplest of tap-ins.
Aubamayeng: 8/10. He did his job of scoring to lift Gabon’s spirits but the team fell flat in the final minutes.
Evouna: 7/10.
Substitutes
Kanga: 4/10. Replaced Lemina in the second period.
Biyogo Poko: 4/10. Climbed off the bench six minutes from time but still did a decent job.
Aboue: 4/10. Replaced Evouna a minute from time.
GUINEA BISAU
Jonas Mendez: 6/10. Goal keeper
Juary: 9/10. A standout at the back in addition to his last-gasp goal.
Rudinilson Silva: 5/10.
Tomas Darbo: 6/10. Played the right-back role well.
Agostinho: 6/10. Got booked for an infringement in the 76th minute. That aside, he formed the core of Guinea’s defense.
Zinzho: 9/10. Was Guinea’s man-of-the-match. The Greece-based midfielder showed true quality and justified why gaffer Baciro Cande, gave him the arm-band. A headache to Gabon throughout the game, he assisted in Bissau’s equalizing goal, sending in a delectable free-kick that Juary headed into the net.
Toni Silva: 8/10. Another Levadiakos FC player, he had a lit up night.
Francisco Junior: 6/10.
Nani: 8/10. Was a thorn to Gabon’s back-four.
Camara:7/10.
Jao Mario: 4/10.
Substitutes
Piqueti: 9/10. Replaced Mario in the second period and got right to business. 7/10.
Frederic Mendy: 5/10.
Aldair: 5/10.
Featured photo: Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacts as he walks off the pitch after the final whistle. (Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)
