Former Spain manager Jose Antonio Camacho has been appointed Gabon coach.

The 61-year-old will have only 43 days to prepare the team before the country hosts the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on 14 January.

Camacho, who has been out of football since he was sacked as China coach in 2013, has signed a two-year deal to fill the vacancy left by Jorge Costa’s dismissal last month.

His former coaching jobs include Real Madrid, Sevilla, Espanyol and Benfica.

Camacho enjoyed a highly successful playing career, the former left-back was capped 81 times by his country and made over 440 appearances for Real Madrid.

His first competitive match as Gabon coach will be the Nations Cup opener against Guinea Bissau.