Gabon and Mozambique have an opportunity to rectify the mistakes of their first games when they clash at Adrar Stadium in a pivotal second group game for the two sides on Sunday in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Having suffered yet another defeat in the competition, the Mambas of Mozambique are still waiting for their maiden win in Africa’s flagship football competition, almost forty years after their first appearance in the tournament in 1986.
After an impressive qualification campaign that saw them finish second in their group, Mozambican fans would not have been overly optimistic if they thought that their team was finally ready to rub shoulders with continental giants.
However, at the blast of the final whistle in their opening fixture against defending champions, it was the sight and experience of a familiar disappointment, having suffered a narrow 1-0 loss in that encounter.
Chiquinho Conde and his team will approach this match with confidence, desperate to get the better of their opponents on Sunday; their form leaves so much to be desired.
Winless in their last four outings, a run which consists of a draw and three losses, including the last dismissal suffered at the hands of Ivory Coast, they have their work cut out.
On paper, Gabon enters this match as the favourites, but as far as competitive matches go, games in this competition are high up there.
That said, the Panthers of Gabon boast a quality that their opponents can not match at the moment, and their form is a tad better than that of their opponents.
The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bruno Ecuele-Manga and Mario Lemina are battle-hardened leaders of the Gabonese squad, with years of experience in and around the top leagues in Europe.
How the bookies view it:
Gabon have the upper hand with the bookies, having been priced at 17/20 by Bet365 to claim all the spoils on offer. A win for Mozambique is valued at 10/3 on Bet365 as well, while a draw comes at 12/5.
Head-to-head: Gabon is dictating the pace
Considering the last five meetings between these two sides, Gabon is currently ahead with a 3-2 advantage. The last time they clashed, the Panthers won 2-0.
Player to watch: Emerick Aubameyang
Yet to hit the ground running in the Africa Cup of Nations, Aubameyang is undoubtedly one of the shining lights of Gabon's football.
Although he missed out on a starting spot the last time out, he did come early in the game, and he could be handed a starter’s jersey for the game this weekend.
A striker with a knack for scoring goals, which includes breathtaking ones, he is surely one to watch.
Probable line-ups
Midfielder and another experienced head, Mario Lemina, was sent on along with Aubameyang in their first outing against Cameroon.
However, this pair is likely to start on Sunday, with the expectation that their experiences will be crucial to the Panthers' quest.
Mozambique finished their opening encounter with no record of injuries or suspensions, so we likely see a familiar team from their first leg.
Gabon: Mbaba, Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Mouckettou-Mossounda, Ekomia, Openda, Poko, Ndong, Aubameyang, Bouanga, Lemina
Mozambique: Siluane, Diogo Calila, Mexer; Mandava, Langa, Kambala, Catamo, Amade, Guima, Ratifo, Witi
Anything else that catches the eye?
Neither team has scored in their last three meetings, meaning that BTTS? No will be another informed betting angle.
GambleAware