Anthony Obame rued his inexperience after the bout but can take solace in becoming Gabon’s first ever medallist.

Obame was 30 seconds away from winning the gold medal in the  men's over-80kg taekwondo final leading 9-6 but was caught by a three-point head kick from his opponent, Italian Carlo Molfetta.

The fight finished at 9-9 but after a scoreless sudden death period of golden point, the judges awarded the victory to Molfetta, leaving Obame with the silver.

Obame saw the silver as bittersweet.

"I'm relieved because not all competitors got a medal and I really wanted to come back (to Gabon) with a medal but not any medal, a gold medal," he said.

"But I couldn't manage that against a very experienced Italian.

"He had me on a youthful error but I hope to come back stronger next time."

Obame was most frustrated at failing to hold onto his lead late in the third and final round.

"It was at this very moment that he seized his opportunities because I was already imagining myself as a gold medallist.

"I think I was dreaming because I was leading and I got caught. It's true I didn't lose on points but on a judges decision. That cost me dearly.

"If I'd have kept the scoring and tempo from the beginning it would have been me the Olympic champion."

Obame stated he was excited to see the reception he receives as Gabon first-ever medallist.

"I realise what I've done, I admit it. But to be honest it hasn't sunk in yet because I'm not in my country and I'm surrounded by athletes and people congratulating me.

"It's often like that but maybe not with the same energy. It's often been like that but we'll see when I get back."