Africa Cup of Nations 2012: Gabon's Offense Makes Them Legitimate Threat

The offense that Gabon's soccer team has shown in the Africa Cup of Nations has been nothing short of impressive. You wouldn't normally think of the 91st ranked team in the world as a threat to win. But if you ignore Gabon and their chances, you're being foolish. 

No team in the tournament has put as many goals in the back of the net. What is so impressive is not that they've scored five goals in two games, but how those were scored. 

They were shutout for the first 77 minutes of their match against Morocco. Then, a lightning bolt struck in the form of goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Daniel Cousin, and Bruno Mbanangoyé Zita. Gabon won the game in stoppage time despite allowing the tying goal earlier. 

What all of this means is that you can't be comfortable when facing them. Your defense can do a stellar job keeping them out of the net for nearly an entire game, but you better not blink or let up, which is terrifying to opponents. 

Teams that face Gabon know that they have to keep max effort for the whole game. A one-goal lead is not comfortable. Heck, two goals is by no means a lock until you hear that final whistle. That means that Gabon's opponents have to stay on the attack. 

When the opposition is attacking, they are leaving their defense vulnerable for Gabon's offense. That is where such a potent attack is at its most dangerous. 

No opponents want to face Gabon because they never know how when they will strike. 

On top of all of that, they have only allowed two goals in their two matches. So their potent offense doesn't need to be stellar every contest. 

So, while their ranking isn't overwhelming, their play has been. Do not be surprised if Gabon continues to outplay the opposition and their world ranking all the way through the finals.

Photo Courtesy of Guardian.co.uk.

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