In a drastic move following a disappointing tournament performance, the Gabonese government has announced the immediate suspension of its national football team. The decision, announced on January 1, 2026, also includes the dismissal of head coach Thierry Mouyouma and the removal of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and defender Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad.
A Drastic Government Response to AFCON Failure
The severe action comes directly after Gabon's early elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The national team, known as the Panthers, failed to secure a single victory in the group stage, finishing at the bottom of Group F. Their campaign ended with losses to Cameroon and Mozambique, followed by a heartbreaking defeat to Ivory Coast.
Acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula made the announcement on national television, citing the team's "disgraceful performance." The minister stated that the government had decided to dissolve the coaching staff and suspend all national team activities indefinitely. The exclusions of star striker Aubameyang and veteran defender Manga were specifically highlighted as part of the punitive measures.
The Collapse Against Ivory Coast
The final match, which precipitated the government's decision, was a dramatic affair. Gabon faced the defending champions, Ivory Coast, on December 31, 2025, in Marrakech. Playing without Aubameyang, who had returned to his club Olympique de Marseille for injury treatment, Gabon initially dominated.
Guélor Kanga and Denis Bouanga scored to give Gabon a surprising 2-0 lead. Jean‑Philippe Krasso pulled one back for Ivory Coast just before halftime. The second half saw a remarkable comeback by the champions, orchestrated by coach Emerse Faé's tactical substitutions. Evann Guessand equalized in the 84th minute before Bazoumana Touré scored a stoppage-time winner from a Christopher Opéri cross, sealing a 3-2 victory for Ivory Coast.
Tournament Aftermath and Broader Implications
The loss confirmed Gabon's last-place finish in the group. Ivory Coast and Cameroon both advanced from the group, with Mozambique also progressing as one of the best third-place teams. For Gabon, the failure marks a significant low for a nation that once reached the AFCON quarter-finals with Aubameyang as its talisman.
The suspension of the entire national team is an extreme measure rarely seen in international football. It leaves the future of Gabonese football in immediate uncertainty, with no timeline provided for when the team might be reassembled. The sacking of a global star like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the national squad sends a powerful message about accountability, but also raises questions about the path forward for the country's football development.
This government-led intervention underscores the immense pressure and national pride associated with the Africa Cup of Nations. The coming months will reveal how Gabon plans to rebuild its football program from the ground up after this unprecedented suspension.
