[quote name='djbooba']So true. I think the way Abel wins that match is to just confuse the Gief player with random tactics. Although, nothing is more satisfying than hitting Abel's Ultra just at the end of Gief's Clothesline Spin.[/QUOTE]
You can punish a blocked/whiffed spinning lariat with a well timed (window is small), cr. mk xx mp CoD or with cr. hp xx hp CoD if close enough. Abel's kick special eats most of Gief's specials. And Abel can feel much safer whenever he has an EX meter for an EX TT, which beats out Gief's non-ex SPDs.
Use anti airs as needed, i.e. cr. mk. I even use neutral jump hk. I find it best to stay within Gief's green hand range (where it will definitely hit), as that will definitely shut down the whiffed green hand hijinks. But at the same time, stay out of the lp spd.
Back dashing is usually a safe option against Gief on wake up if you ever get knocked down.
If you're ahead, don't hesitate to hold back and even run away. You'll need every little thing against a competent Gief player.