The Panthers arrived in Morocco with quiet optimism, tipped by many observers as potential dark horses capable of springing surprises.
Instead, Gabon exited the tournament without a single win, finishing bottom of their group after a string of painful defeats that exposed deep problems within the team.
Gabon opened their AFCON journey with a narrow 1-0 loss to Cameroon. While the result was not entirely unexpected, the performance raised early concerns about the team’s tactical discipline and attacking threat.
Gabon opened their AFCON journey with a narrow 1-0 loss to Cameroon. While the result was not entirely unexpected, the performance raised early concerns about the team’s tactical discipline and attacking threat.
Those fears were confirmed in their second match, where Gabon suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to Mozambique, a result that effectively ended their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
Their final group match against defending champions Ivory Coast followed a similar pattern. Gabon competed well for long spells but collapsed late in the game, conceding two goals in the closing minutes to lose 3-2.
Their final group match against defending champions Ivory Coast followed a similar pattern. Gabon competed well for long spells but collapsed late in the game, conceding two goals in the closing minutes to lose 3-2.
The defeat sealed their early elimination and sparked widespread criticism back home.
In response, the Gabonese government announced decisive measures aimed at addressing what it termed a “national embarrassment.”
Sports Minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula confirmed that the government had dissolved the entire coaching staff and suspended the national team indefinitely.
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff and suspend the national team until further notice,” Mamboula said in a strongly worded statement.
Head coach Thierry Mouyouma was immediately sacked, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure. However, the most controversial decision involved senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and team captain Bruno Ecuele Manga.
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff and suspend the national team until further notice,” Mamboula said in a strongly worded statement.
Head coach Thierry Mouyouma was immediately sacked, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure. However, the most controversial decision involved senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and team captain Bruno Ecuele Manga.
Both players were banned from future national team activities despite not featuring in the final defeat to Ivory Coast.
Aubameyang, 36, is Gabon’s most famous football export, having enjoyed a stellar club career in Europe with clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.
Aubameyang, 36, is Gabon’s most famous football export, having enjoyed a stellar club career in Europe with clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.
Bruno Ecuele Manga, 37, has been a long-serving leader in defence and wore the captain’s armband for several years. The government’s move suggests that both veterans may have played their final matches for the national team.
While officials have not provided detailed reasons for singling out the two players, the decision appears linked to a broader desire to usher in a new era and hold senior figures accountable for the team’s repeated failures on the continental stage.
However, the suspension of the national team could have serious consequences. FIFA strictly prohibits government interference in the running of football associations, and Gabon now risks sanctions, including potential suspension from international competitions, if the situation is not resolved through proper football channels.
Football analysts have warned that while accountability is important, political involvement could worsen Gabon’s problems rather than solve them.
However, the suspension of the national team could have serious consequences. FIFA strictly prohibits government interference in the running of football associations, and Gabon now risks sanctions, including potential suspension from international competitions, if the situation is not resolved through proper football channels.
Football analysts have warned that while accountability is important, political involvement could worsen Gabon’s problems rather than solve them.
Rebuilding trust between the federation, players, and government will be crucial if the country hopes to return stronger in future tournaments.