Gabon are eliminated from contention to advance out of Group B at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after an Abdoul Moumouni penalty kick gave Niger a 1-0 victory on Wednesday. The Sheriff Tiraspol midfielder kept his nerve from the spot to leave the Ménas tied in first place on four points with Egypt. Niger can secure advancement to the semifinals on Saturday with a draw or victory against Mali while Gabon finish up their participation against Egypt.
Niger showcased their defensive prowess against Egypt but were more eager to push forward against the Gabonese. Gabon goalkeeper Gesril Andome was forced into action inside ten minutes when he did well to save a shot from Nigerien forward Kairou Amoustapha. Amoustapha finished past Andome ten minutes later but was offside by a narrow margin.
Gabon came closest to scoring just before halftime but Nigerien keeper Naïm Van Attenhoven passed the test by saving a low effort from close range. Close to the hour mark a reckless push by Gabon defender Urie Mboula in his penalty area on Niger’s Abdel Rahim Alhassane resulted in the awarding of a penalty kick. Moumouni fired an accurate spot kick beyond the reach of Andome to give Niger a lead they would not relinquish.
Video of the decisive foul and penalty kick is below.
