Gabon U23 coach Saturnin takes responsibility for underwhelming performance

In a candid admission, the head coach of Gabon's U23 team Gabon coach Ibela Ignambi Saturnin has shouldered the blame for their disappointing display in the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Having suffered defeats in their first two Group B matches, Gabon is set to face Egypt in their final fixture at either the Ibn Batouta Stadium or the Grand Stade of Tangier on Saturday.

"I take full responsibility for the team's poor performance in the tournament as the head coach," acknowledged the coach during a pre-match press conference on Friday.

While it is unfortunate that Gabon fell short of their target to qualify for the Olympics, the coach emphasized that the team is determined to achieve a positive outcome in the upcoming match against Egypt and make a statement.

Acknowledging that there may be consequences from a technical standpoint due to their failure to meet set objectives, the coach explained, "Football is a complex sport, and various internal and external factors can influence a team's performance and results."

The coach also recognized the discontent back home in Gabon due to the team's disappointing results. However, he emphasized that it is not the coach's role to instruct players to score goals as they are well aware of their responsibilities on the pitch.

"While we have nothing to lose in this final match, we will approach it with utmost seriousness, and the players will give their all to secure a victory before we return home," stated the coach.

While the coach partly attributed their lackluster performance to the limited preparation time, he also praised the players for their efforts in the face of challenges. He emphasized that this tournament serves as a valuable learning experience and an opportunity for the young players to improve their skills.

Emmanuel Romess Ovono Essogo, who represents FC Torpedo in Georgia, expressed the team's disappointment over the previous results but reaffirmed their determination to triumph against Egypt.

"We remain motivated and resolute in representing our nation proudly," he added. Gabon suffered a 1-0 defeat against Niger and a 3-1 loss to Mali in their previous matches.

Despite the setbacks, the Gabon team remains committed to ending their AFCON campaign on a positive note, showcasing their resilience and determination on the field.