The Gabonese government has kicked out veterans Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from the team following the group-stage exit from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Announcing the sanction, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, the country’s acting sports minister, said Aubameyang and Manga have been kicked off the team permanently.
The minister also dissolved the team’s technical crew, headed by Thierry Mouyouma, a former national team defender.
“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,” the acting minister said.
A month before the AFCON, Gabon also lost to Nigeria in the semi-final of the African play-off for the 2026 World Cup.
They had held on for a 1-1 draw in regular time before capitulating to a 4-1 defeat in extra time.
