Gabon’s government has taken dramatic action against the national football team, sacking star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, dismissing coach Thierry Mouyouma, and suspending the squad following their poor showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula confirmed the decisions on television after Gabon finished last in Group F, losing all three matches.
“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 after Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat to the Ivory Coast in Marrakech.
Gabon had already been eliminated after losses to Cameroon and Mozambique. In their final game, they were 2-0 up against the defending champions before conceding three late goals.
Aubameyang, who had returned to French club Olympique de Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury, reacted on social media, saying: “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”
At 36, Aubameyang is unlikely to play for Gabon again, while veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, 37, may also have seen his final international appearances.
Such drastic steps are rare in modern African football, as FIFA strictly discourages government interference in football associations.