Gabon coach Gernot Rohr has praised his team’s “fighting spirit” and “character” after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Morocco to reach the quarter-finals. Zita Mbanangoye scored the winner in injury time, just minutes after Morocco had equalised from the penalty spot. Substitute Mbanangoye curled in a free-kick to the angle of the post to seal the win and send Morocco out. “They had the character of fighting spirit,” Rohr told BBC Sport. “When you concede a goal for 2-2 in the 92nd minute and then find the energy for a third goal, it is wonderful. “I knew they had character. They are not always easy because they have strong character but when you want to have success you have to have players with strong character.” Despite already securing their spot in the last eight, Rohr says it’s vital that the Panthers get a result against Tunisia in their final group match so they can keep home advantage in the tournament. Agencies
