Gabon Suspends National Football Team Following Africa Cup of Nations Exit
The Gabonese government has suspended the national football team, banned striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and dismissed coach Thierry Mouyouma following their elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced these measures after Gabon’s 3-2 defeat to Ivory Coast on December 31.
Gabon finished at the bottom of their group in Morocco, suffering earlier defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique, which Mamboula described as “disgraceful” performances.
He stated, “In light of 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.”
Gabon’s exit from the tournament was confirmed prior to the match against Ivory Coast, where they squandered a two-goal lead in Marrakech.
Aubameyang, the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker, did not participate in the final group game as he returned to Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury. He commented, “I believe the team’s issues run much deeper than just my individual situation.”
Mouyouma had been in charge for just over two years.
While it was once common for African governments to disband national teams after disappointing results, such actions have become less frequent since FIFA has implemented stricter regulations regarding government interference in football.