Gabon left to ponder wider worries after Cup exit
LIBREVILLE: Sporting agony in the shape of an early elimination from their own Africa Cup of Nations has only added to the other woes facing Gabon, a country already in the midst of a political and economic crisis.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is not finished. I encourage all football lovers to enjoy the quality of the remaining matches,” said president Ali Bongo in a statement released following Sunday’s 0- 0 draw with central African neighbours Cameroon in Libreville.
That result, Gabon’s third draw in as many matches, condemned them to a group- stage exit , something that had not befallen the hosts of the Cup of Nations since Tunisia in 1994.
“It was a great derby. I would like to pay tribute to the quality of the performance of our brave Panthers. I would also like to congratulate Cameroon on qualifying for the quarter-finals,” added Bongo, who had attempted to rouse the Gabon side by visiting them at training on Saturday.
A last-minute coaching change, a poor build- up and two points dropped in the dying moments of their opening game, a 1- 1 draw against Guinea-Bissau, all contributed to Gabon’s poor showing.
Newspaper L’Union was scathing in its criticism, saying: “Of all the teams taking part at the tournament, Gabon, the hosts, were the only ones who did not prepare. Incredible!”
The Gabon squad, spearheaded by star man Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang, got together later than planned in early January under the orders of a coach who had been hastily appointed.
The veteran Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho was brought in to replace the Portuguese Jorge Costa, sacked in November.
But Camacho, who had been out of coaching since ending a stint in charge of China in 2013, does not speak French and was new to Africa.
L’ Union nevertheless sympathised, saying he “did his best” while laying the blame at the door of the Gabonese federation.
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid player Camacho refused to be drawn on his future in the role after Sunday’s match, but meetings with the Federation, Sports Minister Nicole Assele and possibly even President Bongo will soon be scheduled. The Gabon team could certainly do with some stability as they approach the end of their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup, with their next match to come at home to the Ivory Coast in August.
Off the field, the usually peaceful host nation has been in some turmoil ever since the violence that followed the contested reelection of Bongo last year. — AFP