Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was recently ruled out Gabon’s AFCON 2021 match against Ghana on Friday on basis of Covid, according to head coach Patrice Neveu, who refuted earlier reports from his own federation that the striker was suffering from heart problems.
After testing positive for coronavirus upon his arrival in Yaounde on January 6, Aubameyang was forced to miss Gabon’s opening triumph over Comoros, but was set to make his comeback against Ghana in their Group C match at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo on Friday after returning a negative test.
The Arsenal striker was, however, left out of Gabon’s starting lineup on the day, with Gabon’s Football Federation reporting on Twitter in the hours leading up to the match that the Confederation of African Football’s Medical Commission had barred him and teammates Axel Meye and Mario Lemina from playing due to “cardiac lesions” discovered during tests.
Following Friday’s draw, Neveu attempted to clear the air.
“It’s apparent from the readings that Aubameyang has no heart issues,” Neveu told ESPN. Both he and Lemina passed PCR testing, which came back negative.
“They then completed the second round of exams, heart testing, and it appeared that the two of them were having issues.”
“It appears that the virus has left residue, and it’s probable that the illness has had an impact,” he said.
“Two hours before the match, the team doctor and the CAF doctor were on the phone with me, telling me not to play them.
“Neveu also admitted that he was undecided about whether or not to follow the medical advise, while Aubameyang originally refused to accept the medical professionals’ assessment.
“I made the choice not to play them in order to protect my players,” Neveu continued. “Because it is my job, we decided not to play them.”
“We’ll see what happens now,” he added, “but that was my obligation.” “When we got the news, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wanted to play, so he packed his belongings and left his room, but the CAF doctor informed me again, so his father had to step in.”
“I understand how much it wounded him.”Gabon managed to earn a point against Ghana despite the absence of Aubameyang in a tense match that ended in a brawl as the Black Stars accused their opponents of a lack of sportsmanship after the Panthers netted a late equalizer despite their opponents having a player hurt.
The draw, combined with Gabon’s 1-0 win over Comoros in their opener, puts the Central Africans on the verge of qualifying, and despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘s ongoing medical issues, Neveu, who has only recently returned from a positive COVID diagnosis, is optimistic that he can still play a role in the tournament.
“It’s possible that the disease has had an influence,” he said, “but we’ll do the MRIs, see what occurs, and do what’s necessary.”
“We’ll do what we have to do and stick to the protocol.”
We have four days till we play Morocco, and I’m hoping to get them back because we need them.”
Andre Ayew’s 18th-minute opener for Ghana was cancelled out by Jim Allevinah’s 88th-minute equalizer for Gabon, leaving Ghana requiring a win versus Comoros in their last group encounter to qualify for the knockouts.
After the full-time whistle, Benjamin Tetteh was sent off for punching Aaron Boupendza following a scuffle sparked by Gabon’s raucous celebrations at the game’s conclusion.
