Gabon Suspends National Team and Bans Aubameyang After AFCON Exit

Gabon Suspends National Team and Bans Aubameyang After AFCON Exit

The Gabonese government has suspended the national football team, sacked head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and banned striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the country’s early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The drastic action comes after Gabon’s disappointing 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast on 31 December, which capped off a winless group stage campaign in Morocco. The Panthers had already lost to Cameroon and Mozambique, sealing their elimination from the tournament before their final match.

Government Reacts Harshly: “Disgraceful Performance”

Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the sweeping decisions, stating:

“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.”

The 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast saw Gabon blow a two-goal lead in Marrakech, adding to frustration among fans and officials.

Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga Banned

Former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was singled out as one of the players excluded from the team. The veteran striker missed the final group match due to a thigh injury, returning to Marseille for treatment.

In a personal statement, Aubameyang responded:

“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”

Veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga was also banned, though specific reasons were not cited.

Coach Mouyouma Sacked After Two-Year Spell

Thierry Mouyouma, who took charge of Gabon in 2023, was dismissed as part of the overhaul. Despite initial optimism around his leadership, Gabon’s AFCON performance marked the end of a troubled tenure.

FIFA May Respond to Government Interference

While such drastic interventions by governments were once common in African football, they have become rare since FIFA introduced stricter sanctions for political interference in football federations. Gabon’s decision to suspend its national team could trigger a response from FIFA or CAF, depending on the extent of government involvement.

Gabon’s AFCON 2025 Group Stage Results:

• 🇬🇦 Gabon 0-2 🇨🇲 Cameroon

• 🇬🇦 Gabon 1-2 🇲🇿 Mozambique

• 🇬🇦 Gabon 2-3 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast

Gabon finished bottom of their group, scoring three goals and conceding seven.

What’s Next for Gabonese Football?

With the national team suspended, key players banned, and coaching staff dismissed, Gabon faces a period of deep uncertainty in its footballing future. The focus now shifts to whether the football federation can restructure independently or if further government action – and potential FIFA sanctions – will follow.