The African qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Africa Cup of Nations 2022 are yet to start. Coronavirus then forced suspension of sport activities leading to postponement football various events.

For Patrice Neveu, Gabon national team coach, the Pharaohs are the team likely to qualify for the World Cup from the group. Despite competing against experienced Egypt, Neveu assures that his target is to qualify Gabon for the World Cup and AFCON.

“Our first target is to make the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon. Everyone in Gabon was disappointed to miss out on the most recent edition of the tournament. So a return is a must for us.” The 66-year-old French technician told to the FIFA official website.

“Egypt are favorites in this section. Because they’re more experienced and have high-quality players such as Mohamed Salah. However, I think our team can spring a surprise. We have to believe in our ability to finish top of the group and make the play-off round. We’re going to have a tough game in Egypt. But we can get a positive result there.” Declared the coach of Panthers.

The former Ismaily coach Neuve, counts one of key players as Arsenal star and the 2019 Premier League golden boot winner Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Panthers have never played in the World Cup. Their best achievement is the Africa Cup of Nations 1996 and 2012, where they were eliminated from the quarterfinals.

Gabon are competing in a group alongside Egypt, Libya and Angola.