THE STARS AND FLOPS after group matches

TOPSHOT - Gabon's forward Denis Bouanga (R) challenges Burkina Faso's defender Patrick Malo during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Gabon and Burkina Faso at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 18, 2017. / AFP PHOTO /

DENIS BOUANGA (Gabon)

In a disappointing campaign for the hosts, the performance of Bouanga stood out. The 22-year-old French-born winger, whose father is from Gabon, set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s goal in the opening draw with Guinea-Bissau. He was the main source of danger for the Panthers throughout their three draws and agonisingly hit the post in injury time in the 0-0 stalemate with Cameroon that sealed their elimination. He was later seen in tears as he collected his man-of-the-match award. He will now go back to Tours in the French second tier, where he is currently on loan from Lorient in France‘s top flight. In the meantime, Gabon will hope he can remain a key player in the side as they look to qualify for next year’s World Cup.