Gabon were held to a goalless draw by Lesotho at half-time in their Group A meeting on matchday three of the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign.

Denis Bouanga and his team-mates dominated possession, controlling 67% of the ball compared with Lesotho’s 33%. They also won five corners as they repeatedly pressed forward, but were unable to convert their opportunities in the final stages of attacks.

Lesotho defended with discipline to withstand Gabon’s pressure and remained a threat on the counter-attack. The visitors were caught offside twice as they looked to exploit spaces behind the Gabon defence.

The intensity of the contest was also reflected in Lesotho’s two yellow cards.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough in a fiercely contested first half, the match remains evenly poised ahead of the second period.