Aubameyang explains why Gabon crashed out of AFCON 2017

Former African Player of the Year, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has blamed their lack of preparation and the draw to Guinea Bissau as reasons for Gabon’s group-stage elimination from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The hosts, who finished third in Group A with 3points, crashed out of the tournament following their failure to beat Cameroon in their last group game on Sunday, as they were only able to earn just another point from the goalless draw.

The Borussia Dortmund striker, who reacted angrily after the final whistle refusing to shake hands with anyone as he walked down the tunnel, insinuated that their insufficient time together among other things is the reason for their early exit.

“I think we were stronger than every other team in the group, but it is about everything, the preparation, the change of coach, it wasn’t easy,” he said.

“We didn’t really have the time to prepare (for the championship).

Read Also: B’Faso, Cameroon advance to AFCON quarter-finals, host Gabon crashes out

“We did not start on that date (3 January as planned), we started a little bit late. But I am really proud of all the players, because everyone gave their all.

“It is really annoying because we had chances. Sadly, there are days when it doesn’t go in, like my first chance from two metres out,” added the 27-year old who squandered Gabon’s best chance to score in the third minute when he missed a sitter.

In the opener of the tournament, Gabon drew against Guinea Bissau after conceding a late equaliser to the debutants. Speaking to Supersports on Sunday after their exit, Aubameyang pointed out the tie as another disadvantage on their side.

“We conceded a stoppage time goal against Guinea Bissau. That was our undoing. If we had won that game, we would be talking about something else right now. Every team in our group defeated Guinea Bissau except us. It is unfortunate,” he explained.

“There is simply no explanation for the result today. We are extremely disappointed that we are out of the tournament especially that we are in front of our fans,” he added, very devastated.

As it stands now, Burkina Faso have qualified for the quarters-finals as Group A winners with five points and Cameroon joined them as runners-up with equal points but a lesser goal aggregate, while Gabon and Guinea Bissau are out!

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