Gabon Disbands National Football Team After Disappointing AFCON Exit

Gabon’s government has announced significant changes to its national football team, including the suspension of the squad and the dismissal of the coaching staff, following a disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. The decision comes after the team finished last in their group, resulting in elimination from the tournament held in Morocco.

In a televised statement, Gabon’s acting Minister of Sports, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, expressed the government’s dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. “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 stated after the team suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Ivory Coast in Marrakech on January 1.

The Gabonese team, coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, had already faced elimination after losing their opening two matches against Cameroon and Mozambique. In their final group stage match, Gabon initially led the defending champions Ivory Coast 2-0 before conceding three goals, ultimately sealing their fate in the tournament. Notably, neither Aubameyang nor Ecuele Manga participated in the match; Aubameyang returned to his club, Olympique de Marseille, for treatment on a thigh injury.

Responding to the situation, Aubameyang took to social media, stating, “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.” At 36 years old, his participation in the national team may be drawing to a close, a sentiment echoed for the 37-year-old Ecuele Manga, who also faces a similar fate.

The disbandment of national teams has historically been a common reaction to poor performances in African football. However, such actions have become increasingly rare, particularly since FIFA has adopted a stringent stance against governmental interference in the operations of football associations.

The Gabonese team’s exit from the AFCON tournament has raised questions about the future direction of football in the country and what steps will be taken next to rebuild the squad. As Gabon seeks to restore its reputation on the continental stage, the focus will likely shift to appointing new coaching staff and nurturing emerging talent to represent the nation in future competitions.