AFCON: Mouyouma says Gabon mentally prepared to raise their level

Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma says they are mentally prepared to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Panthers have been drawn in a challenging group alongside African champions Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique. Ahead of their opener against the Indomitable Lions at Stade Adrar on Wednesday, Mouyouma has revealed their readiness to raise their level.

“Today we have a calm group with strong belief in its abilities. We achieved very good things during the qualifiers and we are building on that. But we are aware that this is the AFCON, and we will need to adjust our mindset to be more attacking and more aggressive,” Mouyouma told CAFOnline.com.

Gabon reaching semifinals would be significant achievement

“We are driven by a sense of revenge and fully determined to have a good AFCON. The World Cup disappointment was painful, and this is now the competition that allows us to raise our national flag high.”

He added: “I bring here my experience as a former player who has taken part in the Africa Cup of Nations. There is a lot to do from the arrival, the reception, the various CAF engagements and more.

“But on a technical level, we are trying to maintain the same concentration we had during both the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.”

Mouyouma concluded: “In Gabon’s history at the AFCON, our best results have always been quarter-final appearances. Breaking through that ceiling would be ideal for us.

“Reaching the semifinals would be a significant achievement and an improvement on 1996. But there is always the reality of the pitch, which ultimately decides.”

After Cameroon fixture, Gabon will face Mozambique before taking on Ivory Coast.