understanding. Much of their danger comes from the speed down the flanks.
Strengths
Pace - It is found across the board in this athletic Gabon side, but it is best captured by the speedster strikeforce of Aubameyang and Evouna, who bring it in bulk in the attacking third. As Angola and Burkina Faso found out, Gabon's pace makes them particularly devastating on the break. It took less than 15 seconds for them to retrieve the ball deep in their own half until the net was bulging in the other end.
Weaknesses
Raw talent - The only proven talent at the highest level is Aubameyang and perhaps Bruno Manga. Bar that, there is a lot of talent in this team, but much of it is raw or untested. The eagerness of youth may bring out the best in them, but also the worst in some of them - and this is where well-drilled sides may capitalise.
Key man
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Three years ago, Aubameyang was the outstanding young player at Afcon 2012. Belying his years and international inexperience, he shouldered the expectations of the host country, using his dynamism to send defences into disarray on the flanks and, if that didn't work, centrally. He will need to be at his inspirational, intrepid best again if Gabon are to take advantage of an inviting passage to the semi-finals.
The Hipster Choice
Didier Ibrahim N'Dong - With a peroxided, immaculately shaped high-top fade mohawk acting as a visual aid, your eyes won't miss one of Africa's most promising midfielders. Powerful enough to patrol the area between the midfield and defence with utmost class, as well as possessing the lung power to make box-to-box surges, Ndong is the driving force behind this team.
-top fade mohawk acting as a visual aid, your eyes won't miss one of Africa's most promising midfielders. Powerful enough to patrol the area between the midfield and defence with utmost class, as well as possessing the lung power to make box-to-box surges, Ndong is the driving force behind this team.
The Coach
Jorge Costa - A sub-standard beginning into his coaching career saw the former Portugal international move to Gabon out of necessity rather than need, but his tough discipline has suited this promising Gabon team. He is one of Africa's highest paid coaches and the Gabon FA won’t be afraid to fire him if the team underperform.
SFG Predicts
Quarter-finals - Have the capability of going on a Burkina Faso-esque run. Whether they do or not will depend on the performance of their young players in the big matches.
By Salim Masoud Said (@salimosaid)