Gabon stun Senegal to reach London Olympic Games

Hatem Maher, Wednesday 7 Dec 2011

Gabon become the first African football team to reach next year’s Olympic Games in London after defeating Senegal

Gabon 1-0 Senegal
Gabon defeat Senegal 1-0 (Photo: CAFonline)

Gabon struck in the last minute of extra time to claim a 1-0 victory over Senegal and qualify for the U-23 African Championship final, securing the first African berth at next year’s London Olympic Games.

Andre Pocko Biyogho scored the invaluable winner in the 119th minute to give Gabon a surprise victory.

He headed home following a corner as Gabon, who finished second in Group B behind Egypt, became the first African side to book a ticket to London.

Egypt and hosts Morocco meet in the other semi-final game on Wednesday.

The African Championship winners, runners-up and third-placed team will directly qualify for the Olympics while the fourth-placed side will have to overcome an Asian representative in a playoff to go through.

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