Gabon’s government has taken dramatic action following the national team’s disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, suspending the team, sacking coach Thierry Mouyouma, and banning star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from international duty.

Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the unprecedented measures following Gabon’s 3-2 defeat to Ivory Coast on 31 December, which left the team bottom of their group in Morocco. Earlier losses to Cameroon and Mozambique compounded the failure, prompting the government to describe the campaign as “disgraceful.”

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Government Takes Sweeping Action

Mamboula confirmed that the Gabonese authorities had decided to take decisive action in response to the poor performances.

“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 Sports Minister said.

The decision comes as a shock to fans, with Aubameyang, Gabon’s record scorer with 40 international goals, absent from the final group match against Ivory Coast due to a thigh injury sustained while playing for Marseille.

The striker, who previously starred at Arsenal and Chelsea, downplayed his own role in the team’s struggles:

“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am,” he said, emphasizing that structural issues affected Gabon’s performance rather than the contribution of any single player.

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Coach Thierry Mouyouma Dismissed

Thierry Mouyouma, who had been in charge of Gabon for just over two years, was also relieved of his duties. His tenure ended abruptly following the team’s early exit from the tournament, marking a turbulent period for Gabonese football.

Historically, it was more common for African governments to disband national teams after disappointing results. However, FIFA’s rules against government interference have made such interventions increasingly rare. Gabon’s recent decision highlights the high stakes and pressures national teams face during major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Gabon’s Africa Cup of Nations Performance

Gabon’s campaign started promisingly but quickly fell apart. The team notably squandered a two-goal lead against Ivory Coast in Marrakech, failing to secure even a consolation point. Earlier defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique ensured that Gabon finished last in their group, confirming their early exit before the Ivory Coast game.

The suspension of the national team and exclusion of key players marks a significant turning point for Gabonese football. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the government and football authorities rebuild the team in preparation for future tournaments.