As many Ugandans are still struggling to come to terms with the Saturday heart break where we lost in the closing minutes, tournament hosts Gabon despite being unbeaten too crashed out on home soil. They are now spectators at home. Cranes’ exit comes after 39-year absence at the big stage.
Yesterday Gabon failed in a win fixture against Cameroon as they settled for a goalless draw and as Burkina Faso won 2-0 against Guinea Bissau. Gabon did not win any game at their home soil managing only draws thus leading to its early exit. Gabon became the fourth host nation to exit at group stage.
Ethiopia was the first nation to be knocked out at such a stage with 3 points in 1976, eight years later 1984, Ivory Coast failed with two points. Tunisia had been the last nation holding this shameful record as they finished fourth in their group with only one point in 1994.
Hard luck to the boys. Welcome to the big stage.