Lions draw again in friendly against Gabonese Division 1 side

Three outputs, three draws, several equations to solve. Wednesday's match against CF Mounana of Gabon (0-0) has allowed more technical leadership in Lions detect false notes and other frills that still needs correction. This should be addressed by Volker Finke and his staff before the kick-off of the competition.

Choupo-Moting and teammates can take the merit of not having taken a goal as in their two previous outings against DR Congo (1-1) and South Africa (1-1). But the level of play in the latter trial run will not reflect the true face of the selection you dream to see in such a tough competition as the African Cup of Nations.

During the first quarter of an hour, the Gabonese first division team was curled up in its own half, a tad timid. Gabonese began with a small complex and waited in vain to see the Lions roar. Kevin Ibinga take to make that measurement of the opponent and go out of their torpor. They try in offensive initiatives and sometimes manage to put the Cameroon defense in trouble, thanks to disconcerting acceleration of Abdou Djamilou Togolese striker forcing Ndy-Assembé to use from time to time to divert its strikes to corner kicks.

The Lions have however settled for one striker Benjamin Moukandjo, valiantly repelled by Henri Chico. Comrades from Choupo-Moting, although having managed to happily move the ball between the lines in the first period, are not easily managed in Gabon's penalty area, and had to settle for the draw (0-0) to return to the locker room.

In the second period, CF Mounana pulled out to further put the Lions in difficulty. They were more incisive and left on their PRIDE start to try to wrest the lion's mane. And even if they did not succeed, they still held a candle for them and counted the biggest scoring opportunities in the second round. Even the changes observed by the Lions coach with Kom replacing Loé, Guihoata, Loé or Abogo were not enough to help the lions over come the Gabonese club.