A team more used to being on the losing end in major matches had surpassed expectations by reaching the quarter-finals and after defeat by Mali on penalties on Sunday they chose to look on the bright side rather than dwell on disappointment.
"The team gave a lot physically in the pool matches and many of the players were not used to that kind of intensity in games against such quality opposition," coach Gernot Rohr told reporters. "My team gave everything they had."
Locals, who took until halftime to fill the stadium for their team's big game, have shown even less interest in matches not involving Gabon to raise questions over the attendance for Wednesday's semi-final and Sunday's final in Libreville.
Goal-scorer Eric Mouloungui pointed out that three wins in the group games, including a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Morocco, had brought the country's small population much pleasure.
"Unfortunately it is now over but we have the satisfaction of not having lost in regular time in any of our matches at the tournament," the Nice winger said.
"We don't have to make any excuses to anyone, we had a young team and young players who made a big step up."
The next game in Gabon is Wednesday's semi-final between Ivory Coast and Mali and organisers will be keen to avoid the empty stands that have been a feature of games not involving the hosts.
