Gabon’s government has officially lifted the sanctions it imposed on the national football team, the Gabonese Panthers, and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following their disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The decision marks a dramatic reversal from the measures announced on 1 January by then-Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula, who had described Gabon’s campaign as “disgraceful.” At the tournament, Gabon finished bottom of Group F, losing all three of their group matches against Cameroon, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast, with Aubameyang scoring once.
Sanctions Imposed After AFCON 2025 Disappointment
In the immediate aftermath of Gabon’s early exit, the government took sweeping action:
- Suspension of the national team from international competitions
- Sacking of head coach Thierry Mouyouma
- Exclusion of key players, including former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and team captain Bruno Ecuele Manga, from the national setup
These sanctions drew criticism from football fans and raised concerns about potential FIFA intervention, as the world governing body has consistently opposed government interference in football associations.
New Sports Minister Reverses Decision
Under the leadership of new sports minister Paul Ulrich Kessany, the sanctions were lifted on Monday, bringing relief to the team and the nation’s football federation, Fegafoot.
Kessany cited several upcoming deadlines, including preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw, as a key reason for rescinding the punishments. The move avoids the risk of suspension by FIFA, which could have had serious repercussions for Gabonese football.
“Fegafoot welcomes the positive outcome of the situation,” the federation said in a statement.
The statement also noted that Kessany invited Fegafoot to present the government “with all the practical details for the selection of a new technical staff” to replace the outgoing coach Thierry Mouyouma.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Reacts
Aubameyang, one of Africa’s most celebrated forwards, had been one of the high-profile names affected by the sanctions. The striker’s suspension from the national team came after Gabon’s disappointing campaign, despite his efforts and goal in the tournament.
The lifting of restrictions now clears the way for Aubameyang to return to the national team setup in time for 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, allowing Gabon to leverage the experience of their most prolific striker.
Implications for Gabonese Football
The reversal of sanctions is significant for Gabonese football, both on and off the pitch:
- FIFA Compliance: Avoiding sanctions from the world governing body ensures that Gabon can participate in upcoming international competitions without penalty.
- Team Stability: The Panthers can rebuild under new leadership, with a chance to bring back experienced players like Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga.
- Preparation for AFCON 2027: With qualifying draws approaching, the team can now focus on preparation rather than administrative disputes.
Fegafoot is now tasked with appointing a new technical staff and rebuilding the squad, balancing experienced players with emerging talent in the national setup.
Looking Ahead: AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Gabon will soon turn its attention to AFCON 2027 qualifying, hoping to improve on the disappointing 2025 campaign. The return of Aubameyang is expected to boost morale and goal-scoring potential, while the new technical team will aim to restore discipline and competitive consistency.
The lifting of sanctions underscores the importance of cooperation between government authorities and football federations, ensuring that political interventions do not jeopardize the country’s participation in major tournaments.
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