Gabon’s government has taken drastic action following the country’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, suspending the national football team, banning star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and sacking head coach Thierry Mouyouma.
The measures were announced by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula after Gabon’s 3–2 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast on December 31, a result that sealed a humiliating end to their AFCON campaign in Morocco.
Gabon finished bottom of their group after earlier losses to Cameroon and Mozambique, performances Mamboula branded “disgraceful” and unacceptable for a nation with Gabon’s football pedigree.
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” Mamboula said.
Gabon’s elimination had already been confirmed before the final group match, but the team’s collapse against Ivory Coast — where they squandered a two-goal lead in Marrakech — appeared to be the final straw for authorities.
Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading scorer and most recognisable football export, did not feature in the final group game after returning to his club, Marseille, for treatment on a thigh injury. Reacting to the decision to ban him, the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker distanced himself from the team’s poor showing.
“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am,” Aubameyang said, suggesting structural and managerial issues within Gabonese football.
Coach Thierry Mouyouma, who had been in charge for just over two years, was dismissed as part of the government’s sweeping response. His tenure ends amid growing criticism over tactics, player selection and the team’s lack of cohesion at the tournament.
The suspension of the national team raises serious questions about Gabon’s immediate football future, including participation in upcoming international competitions and qualifiers. It also highlights the deep frustration within government over repeated underachievement on the continental stage.
Gabonese football authorities are yet to outline the conditions under which the team’s suspension will be lifted or whether the banned players could be reconsidered in the future, as the country now faces a period of uncertainty and possible restructuring of its football system.
