Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was barred from playing for Gabon in the Africa Cup of Nations draw with Ghana on Friday after he was found to have traces of the coronavirus in his system, according to head coach Patrice Neveu, who worked before his own federation. had denied reports that the striker was suffering from heart disease
Aubameyang was forced to sit out of Gabon's early win over the Comoros after testing positive for the coronavirus at Yaounde on January 6, but made a comeback in their Group C meeting against Ghana at the Stade Ahmadou on Friday. Ahidjo was prepared to make his return. negative test.
Although the Arsenal striker was dropped from Gabon's starting line-up that day, Gabon's Football Federation reported on Twitter hours before the match that the Medical Commission of the Confederation of African Football had ordered him and teammate Axel May. And was stopped by midfielder Mario Lemina. Playing after tests revealed "heart lesions".
Neveu tried to set the record straight after Friday's draw.
"In the readings, it is clear that Aubameyang has no heart problems," Neveau told ESPN. "She [and Lemina] passed PCR tests and they were negative.
"They then did other exams, heart tests, and it seemed like the pair had a problem.
"It seems as if the virus has left a residue, it is possible that the disease has left an impact, and two hours before the match, the team doctor and the CAF doctor were on the phone with me, and they told me not to play Them."
Nevu also acknowledged that he had two opinions about following medical advice, while Aubameyang initially declined to accept medical officials' evaluations.
"To protect my players, I decided not to play them," Neveu continued. "It's my responsibility, so we chose not to play him.
"We will see what happens now, but it was my responsibility," he said. "When we got the news, Pierre-Emerick wanted to play, he left his room with his belongings, but the CAF doctor told me again, so his father had to intervene.
"I know it hurt him."
Without Aubameyang, Gabon still managed to take a point from Ghana during a Test match that ended in conflict as the Black Stars accused their rivals of lack of playing skills when the Panthers netted a late equalizer. done, even though one of his opponents was injured.
Gabon's 1-0 win over the Comoros in their opener draws Central Africans to the brink of the knockout stages, and Nevu, who himself has just recovered from a positive COVID diagnosis, despite Aubameyang's ongoing medical issues. have returned, remains hopeful that they may still have a part to play in the tournament.
"It may be possible that the disease has left an impact, but we will do the MRI, we will see what happens and we will do what is necessary," he said.
"We will take necessary action and follow protocol. We have four days [until the match against Morocco], and I hope to get them back, because we need them."
Jim Alevinah's 88th-minute equalizer for Gabon canceled Andre Ayew's 18th-minute opener for Ghana and left the latter's victory over the Comoros in their final group game to remain on the hunt for a knockout.
Benjamin Teteh looked red for the Black Stars after the full-time whistle to punch Aaron Boupendza during a scuffle inspired by Gabon's gleeful celebrations at the conclusion of the competition.