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The Gabonese government has taken drastic action following the country’s disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), suspending the national team, banning star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and dismissing head coach Thierry Mouyouma.
The announcement was made by Gabon’s Sports Minister, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, after the Panthers’ 3-2 defeat to Ivory Coast on December 31, which confirmed their exit from the tournament. Gabon finished bottom of their group in Morocco after earlier losses to Cameroon and Mozambique.
Reacting to the outcome, Mamboula described the team’s performance as unacceptable.
“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,” he said.
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Gabon had already been eliminated from the competition before their final group game but squandered a two-goal lead against Ivory Coast in Marrakech, further angering officials and fans.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Aubameyang did not feature in the final match, having returned to Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury. Responding to the decision, the forward suggested that the team’s issues went beyond individual players.
“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am,” Aubameyang said.
Coach Thierry Mouyouma had been in charge for just over two years before his dismissal. His sacking marks the end of a turbulent AFCON campaign that has drawn sharp criticism from football stakeholders in the country.
Government intervention in football affairs was once common across Africa following poor tournament performances. However, such actions have become less frequent in recent years due to FIFA’s strict stance against political interference in football administration.
The suspension of Gabon’s national team has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some supporting the government’s tough stance, while others fear possible sanctions from FIFA.
As of now, the Gabonese Football Federation has not released an official response to the government’s decision.
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