The Gabonese government has indefinitely suspended the country’s men’s national football team following its group-stage exit from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The decision was announced on Thursday, January 1, 2026, by acting Sports Minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, who described the team’s performance at the tournament as “disgraceful.”
As part of the sweeping sanctions, veteran players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga have been permanently excluded from the national team.
The entire technical crew, including head coach Thierry Mouyouma, has also been dismissed.
Gabon finished bottom of its group after losing all three matches.
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The Panthers were defeated by Cameroon and Mozambique before suffering a 3-2 loss to Côte d’Ivoire, despite holding a two-goal lead in that final group fixture.
Aubameyang, 36, did not feature in the last match after returning to his club, Olympique Marseille, on December 30, 2025, due to a thigh injury.
Following the announcement, the former captain said the team’s challenges extend beyond any single player.
The government’s intervention has drawn attention across African football, as direct state action against a national team is considered rare and could carry broader implications for the country’s football administration.