Gabon (Group A)
Top of their group and unbeaten in qualifying, Gabon look a dangerous outsider. They edged out Burkina Faso and proved far too strong for Angola, and in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund they have a potential superstar. Gabon did not make the 2013 finals but return again with a competent- looking side and will compete in Bata, which is just across the border and offers the opportunity for considerable support. This will be the sixth Nations Cup finals for the oil-rich central African country, who also got to the quarter-finals in 1996.
COACH
The 43-year-old Jorge Costa, who won 50 caps for Portugal and spent a season at Charlton Athletic in 2001, was appointed in July. The former Porto defensive legend, who was part of the golden generation for his country that also included Luis Figo and Rui Costa, began his coaching career at Braga and has also worked in Romania and Cyprus. He was back in Portugal last season, at Pacos de Ferreira, before a first job in Africa and his first with a national team.
The 43-year-old Jorge Costa, who won 50 caps for Portugal and spent a season at Charlton Athletic in 2001, was appointed in July. The former Porto defensive legend, who was part of the golden generation for his country that also included Luis Figo and Rui Costa, began his coaching career at Braga and has also worked in Romania and Cyprus. He was back in Portugal last season, at Pacos de Ferreira, before a first job in Africa and his first with a national team.
KEY PLAYERS
The squad has seen a significant transformation since their last Nations Cup appearance three years ago, although stalwarts like Didier Ovono, Bruno Ecuele Manga and Aubameyang remain. Fringe players like Lloyd Palun and Levy Madinda are now regulars, and Johann Obiang and Didier Ndong among the new faces in the set-up.
The squad has seen a significant transformation since their last Nations Cup appearance three years ago, although stalwarts like Didier Ovono, Bruno Ecuele Manga and Aubameyang remain. Fringe players like Lloyd Palun and Levy Madinda are now regulars, and Johann Obiang and Didier Ndong among the new faces in the set-up.
LIKELY STARTING XI (4-4-2):
Didier Ovono - Lloyd Palun, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Henri Ndong, Johann Obiang - Levy Madinda, Didier Ndong, Andre Biyogo Poko, Frederic Bulot - Pierre Aubameyang, Romaric Rogombe.
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