Gabon vs DR Congo: How Aubameyang failed to inspire Gabon on his return to int'l football

Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his Gabon teammates had a night to forget on his return to international football at the weekend.

Aubameyang returned to the Panthers’ team and first eleven 12 months after he announced his retirement from the team against DR Congo on Sunday night.

However, the return of the former skipper failed to inspire the Panthers who suffered another defeat in the AFCONQ2023.

In what was a keenly contested encounter against the DRC, the home side started strongly but fell 2-0 at the end at Franceville.

Despite the presence of their highest-ever scorer, Gabon’s Panthers only managed two shots on target in a woeful outing in the AFCONQ2023.

The 31-year-old former Arsenal and FC Barcelona star started and finished the match but was unable to do anything as the Leopards ran away with all three points.

DR Congo netted a goal in either half, with Aaron Tshibola and super-sub Mayele the heroes, to seal their first-ever win against Gabon.

DRC’s win over Gabon has thrown Group I wide open with all four teams within a chance of making it to the finals heading into the final round of games.

The Leopards of Congo are the new leaders with seven points alongside Gabon, who sit second.

Sudan is third with six points, just one ahead of bottom club Mauritania.