Gabon’s government has taken drastic action following the country’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, suspending the national team, banning star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and dismissing head coach Thierry Mouyouma.
The measures were announced by Sports Minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula after Gabon’s 3–2 defeat to Ivory Coast on 31 December. Despite leading by two goals in Marrakech, the Panthers collapsed to a loss in their final group match.
Gabon finished bottom of their group in Morocco after earlier defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique, performances the sports minister described as “disgraceful.”
“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 match against Ivory Coast. Aubameyang, a former Arsenal and Chelsea striker, did not feature in that game after returning to Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury.
Responding to the decision, Aubameyang said the team’s struggles went beyond any one player. “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am,” he said.
Thierry Mouyouma had been in charge of the national side for just over two years.
While it was once common for African governments to disband national teams after poor tournament performances, such interventions have become rarer in recent years due to stricter regulations by FIFA against government interference in football affairs.
