Alexandria, Egypt (PANA) - Tunisia's national football coach Roger Lemerre assumed responsibility for his team's shocking 0-3 loss to Guinea in the concluding group C match of the 25th of Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) on Monday in Alexandria, Egypt.

It is a failure and I assume responsibility for it," Lemerre told a post-march press conference after the defeat.

Tunisia lost top spot in their Group C after the Frenchman opted to field a second string line-up against the strong Guinean side after securing qualification to the CAN quarterfinals to be played later this week.

Lemerre did not regret the gamble, noting that his Guinea opposite number Patrice Neveu did the same thing but was more successful.

"The result is one thing, the managing of a squad another," said the former French national team coach during the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea. "Guinea did the same thing and they won," he told journalists.

The former France coach said that his side lost because the Tunisian players lacked spirit. "The team (Tunisia) lacked character and yes it is a blow," he conceded.

"At international level players have to be leaders and certain of mine were not tonight (Monday). It is a failure and I assume responsibility for it," Lemerre said.

Meanwhile, Neveu was ecstatic over his side's victory even though he recognised that Tunisia did not field a first string team.

"We are very proud. Perhaps it wasn't their best team but it was still an official international match," he told a press conference after the match in Alexandria.

Guinea's victory means they will face the runners-up from Group D on Saturday while the reigning African champions Tunisia will have a more uphill task of facing the group winners.