With the 24 countries that have qualified for the AFCON 2023 now known, it's time to take stock of the teams that have been the disappointments of these qualifiers, notably Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Gabon, who won't make it to Côte d'Ivoire.
Gabon, the big disappointment
Among the 24 teams qualified in Côte d'Ivoire for the tournament in 2023, there will be no Gabon. Led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who returned to the national team to save the Panthers, the objective was not achieved. In Group I, Patrice Neveu's men completely missed out on the return leg, losing 3 of their games. In addition to losing to DR Congo and Mauritania, direct opponents for qualification, the most stinging defeat came against Sudan, the group's bottom team. An elimination that could well turn the team upside down, closing a page with a generation that is set to turn its back on the team.
Benin miss out
Benin and Gernot Rohr disappointed in Group L. Although first place was promised to Senegal, the Cheetahs were unable to overcome Mozambique, who eventually qualified for AFCON 2023. Despite Mounié's goals, the Beninese lacked the talent to go one better, losing 1 and drawing 3 of their last 4 matches in this group. A very weak performance for Gernot Rohr, who sees his job as coach in jeopardy over the coming weeks.
Congo scuttle
Béni Makouana should have nightmares about his missed chance against Gambia. The chance to qualify for the AFCON 2023 turned into an elimination, as Gambia managed to score and book their ticket to Côte d'Ivoire. A disappointment for Congo, who will once again be absent from the competition since their last appearance in 2015.
