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Gabon host Lesotho at the Stade de Franceville on Friday for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, looking to build on their last win. Ranked 84th in the world, the Panthers overcame the Central African Republic 2-0 on matchday two for their first win of the campaign.
Former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired them in front from the penalty spot only 11 minutes after kick-off. Shavy Babicka then doubled their advantage just before the break.
In their previous game, Thierry Mouyouma's side were crushed 4-1 by Morocco, but now with three points in two games, sit in third place of Group B. They have called up 24 players for this month's Lesotho double-header, with Aubameyang back in the mix.
Should he play on Friday, the striker will join Valery Ondo on 80 caps to become the joint sixth-highest appearance-maker for the side.
On the other hand, Lesotho are looking to get their first point across the board, having lost both their games so far. They were beaten 3-1 by the Central African Republic and then 1-0 by Morocco.
The Crocodiles had also lost their previous two games, coming at the 2024 COSAFA Cup, so their losing run now stands at four games. If they were to keep their progression hopes alive, it's imperative for Sekhoane Moerane's side to pick up wins sooner rather than later.
Gabon vs Lesotho Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been only four clashes between the sides in the past, with Gabon going unbeaten in all of them, winning thrice.
- The only occasion where the Crocodiles managed to avoid a defeat in the fixture was on September 2014, when the sides drew 1-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- The teams clash for the first time since November 2014.
- Lesotho have lost their last four games, and remain winless in their last six.
- Gabon's striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored a penalty in both their qualifiers so far: once against Morocco and once against the Central African Republic.
Gabon vs Lesotho Prediction
The Panthers are in relatively better shape, and will rely on their star striker Aubameyang to produce the goods upfront. Their rivals are in terrible form right now, and all signs point to a win for the home side.
Prediction: Gabon 1-0 Lesotho
Gabon vs Lesotho Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Gabon to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No
