Gabon’s government has suspended the national football team, dismissed the coaching staff and removed senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad following a winless Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The decision was announced on state television after Gabon finished bottom of their group and were eliminated from the tournament in Morocco. Acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula described the team’s showing as “disgraceful,” saying the measures would remain in place until further notice.
Gabon lost all three Group F matches, including a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Marrakech after surrendering a two-goal lead against a largely second-string side. Earlier losses to Cameroon and Mozambique had already sealed their exit before the final group game.
Head coach Thierry Mouyouma was among those dismissed as part of the government’s response, which also included the exclusion of Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga, two of the most experienced figures in the squad.
Neither player featured in the final match. Aubameyang had returned to his French club, Olympique de Marseille, to receive treatment for a thigh injury, while Ecuele Manga was also absent. Responding on social media, Aubameyang said the team’s problems went beyond any single individual.
At 36, Aubameyang is widely expected to have played his final match for Gabon, as is the case for 37-year-old Ecuele Manga. Their likely international retirements come amid broader questions over the future direction of Gabonese football.
While dissolving national teams was once a common reaction to tournament failures, such moves have become rare due to strict rules from world football’s governing bodies against government interference. The decision is expected to draw scrutiny from football authorities.