Sport|Africa Cup of NationsGabon government sacks Aubameyang, suspends national team at AFCON 2025Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and one other played banned after Gabon eliminated from Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
The Gabonese government has announced the suspension of the national football team, following their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. The decision includes the dismissal of the coaching staff and the exclusion of key players,…
The Gabonese government has announced the suspension of the national football team, following their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. The decision includes the dismissal of the coaching staff and the exclusion of key players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
On Wed, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, the acting Sports Minister, declared the suspension on national television. This action follows Gabon's last-place finish in their group and subsequent elimination from the tournament held in Morocco.
Gabon, under the guidance of coach Thierry Mouyouma, lost their initial Group F matches against Cameroon and Mozambique. Despite leading 2-0 in their final game against Ivory Coast, the team eventually lost 3-2. Neither Aubameyang nor Bruno Ecuele Manga participated in this match, with Aubameyang returning to Olympique de Marseille for treatment of a thigh injury.
The Gabonese government has announced the suspension of the national football team, following their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
The suspension reflects a broader trend where poor performances lead to significant changes within national teams. However, such actions have become less common due to FIFA's regulations against governmental interference in football associations.
At the age of 36, it is anticipated that Aubameyang has played his final match for Gabon, alongside 37-year-old Ecuele Manga.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
