In contrast to their midweek victory over Mali-when Gabon scored four and conceded three-the Panthers were defensively resolute against Belarus on Monday.
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The two sides met in Belek, Turkey to round-off their international breaks in an intriguing friendly match.
Gabon were without OGC Nice right-back Lloyd Palun, and star player, Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The absence of these two key players, as well as the struggles of frontman Malick Evouna—who endured a miserable afternoon—contributed to a muted, impotent offensive performance from the Central Africans.
Defensively, however, they were much sounder than they had been against Mali in Beauvais in midweek.
Johann Obiang, Bruno Ecuele Manga and Aaron Appindangoye retained their places in the defence, while FC Metz stopper Anthony Mfa Mezui replaced Didier Ovono between the sticks.
The powerful goalkeeper delivered a fine display and helped to keep the two sides tied on 0-0.
FC Lorient and Girondins de Bordeaux midfielders Didier Ibrahim Ndong and Andre Poko also started the match.