
Audio By Carbonatix
Co-host Gabon have booked a historic qualification into the quarter finals of the ongoing Nations Cup in a breathtaking 3-2 victory against Morocco.A superbly taken free-kick deep into injury time by Bruno Zita Mbanangoye meant the Central African country made a quarter final berth for the first time since 1996.And they did in dramatic fashion bringing the North African side down to their knees and crashing out of the tournament.It was Morocco who had their noses in front early in the first half following an immaculate strike by Houssine Kharja after a gorgeous turn in the vital area.The co-hosts looked a bit out of sort in the first half and needed something magical in the second half to turn the tables around.That magic did happen, albeit advertising how fortunes in football can change in a split second.It looked almost certain Morocco would secure their first victory in the tournament until a stupendous volley from Aubeyang handed the co-host a life line.A poorly defensive header flew in the path of the flamboyant striker, Aubeyang, who let out a stunning volley in the 77th minute for the much needed equaliser.Two minutes later substitute D Cousin brought the stadium to raptures and president Ali Bongo on his feet cheering with a well taken strike from close range.He teasingly outwitted his marker with a flamboyant turn and placed the ball feebly but menacingly in far corner of the post with the Moroccan goal keeper looking on. That was all he could do.Gabon were in the driving seat looking all set for the quarters but Morocco had other ideas.The North African side rallied back strongly on the stroke of full time and secured a penalty after a shot went off the arm of a Gabonese defender.Houssine Kharja stepped up with his nerves well checked and struck low to beat the Gabonese keeper, drowning the cacophonous sounds of jubilation by supporters of the co-host.2-2 it was; four minutes of additional time had been played and Morocco appeared content with a draw but a reckless tackle on Poco by Benetia at the edge of the box proved deadly for the North African side.Zita Mbanangoye wrapped his foot around the ball and curled in a dazzling free-kick which zoomed past the two-man Moroccan wall and into the yawning net with the Moroccan goalie well beaten.It was the last kick and a last gasp win for Gabon in a game that may well be the match of the tournament so far.
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