GABON

Didier Ovono 7

Some heart-in-mouth moments but made good and straight-forward saves to deny the Burkina Faso attack. Grew in confidence as the game went on.

Lloyd Palun 6

Given a workout by Bertrand Traore, but most full-backs in the tournament would have struggled. Generally solid.

Bruno Ecuele Manga 8

A commanding figure at the heart of Gabon’s defence, superb block in the first half to deny a certain goal.

Yrondu Musavu-King 7

Like his partner, Musavu-King was also crucial to the defence with his last-ditch interventions.

Johann Obiang 5

Also troubled by Bertrand Traore, positionally suspect on occasions and looked nervous on the ball.

Didier Ibrahim N’Dong 5

First half yellow card for constant fouling meant he walked a tightrope, not at his usual imposing self.

Andre Biyogo Poko 6

Shook off early injury scare to have a solid game despite having little defensive support from his midfield partners.

Levy Madinda 7

Poor ball usage in parts but fabulous assist for the opening goal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7

Composed finish to give Gabon the lead, not at his very best but provided the quality.

Frederic Bulot 7

Could not differentiate between him and Aubameyang at times; good wing play to assist for the second goal.

Malick Evouna 6

Quiet first half, brainless off-the-ball runs in the second half which made him laughably offside, but kept his composure to head home.

Notable substitutions

Guelor Kanga 6

His entranced secure his team’s defence and allowed Gabon to make more forward surges, which he also joined in.

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BURKINA FASO

Germain Sanou 5

Didn’t have much to do between the sticks but made a good save late on.

Mohamed Koffi 5

Strong start to the game but was an uninvolved figure as the game unfolded.

Bakary Kone 7

A typically assured performance by Le General; did what he had to do as an individual.

Steeve Yago 5

Helped Kone keep Evouna quiet initially but fell asleep for the second goal, slow to react to Evouna’s leap.

Narcisse Bambara 6

Energetic game down the left, one of Burkina Faso’s liveliest players.

Djakaridja Kone 4

Anonymous game by the foot soldier, did nothing noteworthy before he was subbed.

Charles Kabore 5

A couple of trademark passes to the attackers but the captain failed to control the tempo of the game.

Jonathan Zongo 5

A willing runner but failed to show the aerial and productive support he provided during qualifying.

Alain Traore 6

Came close with his free-kicks but unable to produce the finishing touch.

Bertrand Traore 8

Impressive performance throughout but his good work was wasted by poor finishing by his team-mates.

Jonathan Pitroipa 6

Some nice touches and runs by the maestro, but he looked uneasy in his role as a false nine and should have done better with two opportunities.

Substitutions

Aristide Bance 5

Lack of mobility as a forward meant he was unable to make an impact on the game bar a long range effort.

Prejuce Nakoulma 5

Not enough game time to make an impact.