The Gabonese government has suspended the national team and banned star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from future selection following the country’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Panthers endured a difficult tournament, losing their opening two matches before suffering a dramatic defeat in their final Group F fixture. Gabon appeared set to end the competition on a positive note after taking a 2–0 lead against reigning champions Ivory Coast, but a late collapse saw them concede three goals, including a stoppage-time winner from Bazoumana Touré, to fall 3–2 and finish bottom of the group.
In the aftermath of the elimination, the government announced sweeping disciplinary measures. The national team was suspended until further notice, while the entire technical crew, led by head coach Thierry Mayouma, a former Gabon international with over 30 caps, was dissolved. Captain Bruno Ecuele Manga was also banned from future national team duty alongside Aubameyang.
In a statement read on national television, the government said:
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“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the TotalEnergies Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and considering the multifaceted effects that run counter to the values of ethics and exemplarity advocated by the Fifth Republic, the Government has decided to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and remove players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the team.
“Furthermore, the Government calls on the Gabonese Football Federation to assume all its responsibilities.”
Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading goalscorer with 41 goals, returned to Marseille with an injury before the final group match, while Ecuele Manga, the country’s most capped player with 105 appearances, was dropped after starting the opening two games.
The AFCON failure adds to recent frustration for Gabon, who also missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a play-off semi-final defeat to Nigeria.
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