Gabon Suspend National Team and Axe Aubameyang After AFCON Exit

Gabon’s government has taken drastic action following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations showing, announcing the suspension of the national football team, the sacking of the head coach and the removal of senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad.

The announcement was made on national television by acting sports minister Simplice Desire Mamboula after Gabon finished bottom of their group and were eliminated from the tournament in Morocco.

Citing what he described as a disgraceful performance by the Panthers, Mamboula confirmed that the entire coaching staff had been dissolved, the national team suspended until further notice and Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga excluded from future selection. The statement followed Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in Marrakech.

Gabon had already been knocked out of the competition after opening Group F defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique. However, their final match summed up their campaign, as they surrendered a 2-0 lead against the defending champions before conceding three goals and losing to an Ivorian side made up largely of fringe players.

The team was coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, whose tenure ends abruptly after the group stage collapse. Neither Aubameyang, now 36, nor the 37-year-old Ecuele Manga featured in the final match. Aubameyang had already returned to Marseille to receive treatment for a thigh injury.

The former African Footballer of the Year later reacted on social media, distancing himself from the blame. Writing on X, Aubameyang said he believed the team’s problems ran far deeper than any individual player.

While disbanding national teams was once a common response to failure in African football, such actions have become rare in recent years. Fifa has consistently warned against government interference in football matters, making Gabon’s decision one that could attract further scrutiny.