CAN round-up: Aubameyang turns from hero to villain as Gabon bow out

Ahram Online, Monday 6 Feb 2012

Follow Ahram Online's selection of the best goal, player and catch of the day in addition to a brief overview of the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Best Player: Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana)

The Ghana promising midfielder played a key role in orchestrating his side’s attacks in Sunday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tunisia after extra time in the Nations Cup quarter finals.

His superb ball control, precise passes and surging runs gave Ghana the upper hand as they bid to win the tournament for the first time since 1982.

Best goal: Eric Mouloungui (Gabon)

Mouloungui scored for Gabon from close-range but credit goes to in-form forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who set him up for the opening goal in the defeat by Mali.

Aubameyang neatly controlled a long ball, skipped past his marker and cut the ball back for Mouloungui to fire home past the keeper.

Watch Mouloungu’s goal

Brief overview

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had been one of the tournament’s best players, was unlucky to cost Gabon a place in the semi-final after wasting a spot-kick as the co-hosts lost to Mali 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Aubameyang combined well with strike partner Daniel Cousin on several occasions but they wasted some easy goal-scoring opportunities as Mali made the most of the few chances they had to book a last-four berth.

In the last quarter-final game, Ghana faced a stern test against Tunisia, who could not match the Black Stars in extra time.

Ghana, four-time African champions, proved more efficient to eliminate the North Africans.

Watch Gabon-Mali penalties

Catch of the day: Goalkeeper howler

A dreadful blunder by Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi allowed Ghana to score in extra time and go through with a 2-1 victory.

Mathlouthi, who had otherwise produced some great saves, dropped an innocuous cross into the path of Andre Ayew in the 101st minute as the Marseille forward tapped into an empty net.

Watch Mathlouthi’s error

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