Patrice Neveu’s side has suffered huge blow as three of his players have automatically withdrawn from taking part in Gabon’s opener in the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON).
Gabon who arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon ahead of the African competition will be heading on Comoros on Monday, while three of their members are seen out of actions in the clash.
The players include, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina and Anicet Yala.
The trio has reportedly been tested positive for Covid-19 and will automatically be dropped for the Panthers’ opening game against the Coelacanths on the 10th.
Gabon captain, Aubameyang, has tested positive for COVID-19 after landing in Yaounde ahead of the tournament.
In addition, Aubameyang’s fellow countryman, Lemina who plays as a central midfielder for the French League side, OGC Nice will also be sidelined against Amir Abdou’s men.
Also, the 45-year-old Assistant manager for the Brazilians, Anicet Yala has also been bedridden due to the deadly disease.
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The Gabon Football Federation posted a statement on its official Facebook page, with a headline of “Aubameyang, Lemina and Yala positive”.
The statement reads: “Arriving this morning at Yaounde on a special flight, the Panthers of Gabon submitted, like all delegations, to an antigen covid-19 test at the Nsimalene airport.”
“Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina and assistant coach Anicet Yala have not escaped [COVID-19].”
“But as required by the health protocol in this area, they subsequently underwent a PCR test, the results of which will confirm or deny the status of the latter.”
Meanwhile, Gabon is in group ‘C’ alongside Morocco, Ghana and Comoros.
