Gabon devastated after Ghana baptism

Gabon coach Pierre Mfoumbi has taken the blame for their 5-0 shellacking at the hands of Ghana at the 2017 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

Eric Ayiah (2x), Emmanuel Toku (2x) and Patmos Arhin scored to crush the hosts' hopes of reaching the last four.

The midweek defeat follows a 5-1 humiliation to Guinea in Sunday's tournament opener.

"It has been hard for the boys since we lost the first game to Guinea and they really wanted to correct this against Ghana but unfortunately, we lost again," Mfoumbi said.

"Who is to be blamed? The first person to be blamed is the coach but everyone can see that we did our best. Unfortunately things did not come our way.

"We have to consider that we are only together for just two months.

"Of course, our objective was to qualify but we couldn’t achieve this but I believe there is future for these boys."

It is the third time Gabon have failed to reach the last four of the Under-17 Afcon following disappointments in 2007 and 2013.

Despite the failed mission, the side will still play Cameroon in their last game on Saturday.

Gabon only confirmed their participation at the tournament in February when they were awarded the organizing rights after original hosts Madagascar failed to impress a Caf inspection team in January.