Gabon government suspends Aubameyang and dissolves the national team following AFCON’s exit
The Gabon government has disbanded the coaching staff and suspended the Panthers indefinitely after finishing in last place and suffering defeats in Morocco.
The government of Gabon has suspended the national football team, dissolved the coaching staff, and excluded Pierre Emerick Aubameyang from the squad after a disappointing performance in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The announcement was made on national television by Gabon’s Minister of Sports following the Panthers’ last-place finish in their group, resulting in their elimination from the tournament in Morocco.
“In light of the Panthers’ disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has opted to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang,” stated acting sports minister Simplice Desire Mamboula following Wednesday’s 3 to 2 defeat to Ivory Coast in Marrakech.
Gabon, under the guidance of former defender Thierry Mouyouma, had already been eliminated after suffering defeats in their initial Group F matches against Cameroon and Mozambique. In their last match, they relinquished a 2-goal advantage, ultimately falling to a predominantly reserve Ivorian team.
Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga did not participate in the final match. Aubameyang has gone back to the French club Olympique de Marseille to receive treatment for a thigh injury.
In a response on social media platform X, the former African Footballer of the Year stated: “I believe the team’s issues run much deeper than just the individual I am.”
At 36, Aubameyang is anticipated to have played his last match for Gabon, alongside 37-year-old former Cardiff City defender Ecuele Manga.
In the past, it was not unusual for national teams in Africa to be disbanded following disappointing tournament results. However, such occurrences have diminished significantly, largely due to FIFA’s strong stance against governmental interference in the management of football.
