UAE and Gabon draw in Austria

9 July 2012 06:51

The UAE and Gabon continued their preparations for the 2012 Olympics as they drew 1-1 in Austria in a friendly on Sunday.

At a sunny Stadion Villach in Lind, the UAE opened with intent but Ismali Hamadi spurned this opportunity at the start of the first half.

However Mahdi Ali's side found the net early in the second half as Rashid Essa kept his cool.

Gabon, who defeated Morocco to win the CAF U-23 crown were rewarded for their persistence eight minutes from time.

Some lacklustre defending from UAE allowed Samson Mbigui to level the game at 1-1.

The UAE face a tough task against Uruguay in their opener at the London Games, whilst Gabon face Switzerland.