HOST Gabon exited the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being held to a goalless draw by Cameroon, which progressed from Group A with Burkina Faso Sunday.
Gabon was left to rue an astonishing early miss by star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang which might have changed the complexion of a largely disappointing game in the Stade de l’Amitie.
In injury-time, there was more agony for home supporters as Denis Bouanga saw his shot hit the post and Cameroon goalkeeper, Fabrice Ondoa, made an astonishing save to tip over the follow up from Didier Ndong.
Burkina Faso went through as group winners after beating minnow Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in Libreville.
An own goal and second half strike from Bertrand Traore, the Chelsea player on loan at Dutch side Ajax, settled it for the Stallions.
Gabon, looking to build on a pair of 1-1 draws with Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso, with Borussia Dortmund star Aubameyang scoring in both, made a strong start in search of the win which would have put it through.
First Bouanga saw his shot smothered by Ondoa from close range.
But then came the miss of this or any tournament as Bouanga’s cross left Aubameyang with a gilt-edged chance from just a few yards out.