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Arsenal captain Aubameyang appreciates Aurier support after Gambia ordeal

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has thanked Tottenham fullback Serge Aurier for his support over his Gambian airport frustrations.

Aubameyang expressed his frustration at the Gabon squad experiencing lengthy delays at Banjul International Airport in The Gambia.

The two nations were scheduled to meet for the second time in four days in a key Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bakau on Monday, which Gabon went on to lose 2-1.

Reuters reports the Gabon delegation were told they had to stay put due to an “administrative problem" and were eventually allowed to depart after Government intervention.

Aubameyang called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take responsibility, adding that it was like returning to the 1990s: “2020 and we want Africa to grow, that's not how we're going to get there !!!."

Aubameyang also sent separate furious tweets to the official account of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the first reading: “Great night at the airport."

He later added: “Just want to know why Gambia keep our passports for Hours and they keep us at the Airport are we hostage or what ? are you gonna close your eyes ? Want to see the Next Episode of this Film."

Aubameyang tweeted at 6am that the Gabon team had finally boarded their bus from the airport, just 10 hours before the game is due to get under way - and Gabon went on to lose the tie 2-1.

Aurier called the treatment of Gabon “disrespectful" and shameful", and also wrote on his Instagram story: "You want respect for our community, let's start by respecting ourselves!

“Strength to the whole team of Gabon."

Aubameyang reposted Aurier's story with the message: “Thank you brother, real talk."

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