Thu Jan 01 16:19:01 UTC 2026: Here’s a news article summarizing the information:
Gabon Suspends National Team, Sacks Coach, and Bans Aubameyang After AFCON Debacle
Marrakesh, Morocco – In a dramatic response to a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, the Gabonese government has suspended its national football team indefinitely, sacked the coaching staff, and excluded star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad.
The announcement was made by acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula on Wednesday, following Gabon’s elimination from Group F after three consecutive defeats. The Panthers finished bottom of their group after losses to Cameroon and Mozambique, culminating in a 3-2 defeat to a second-string Ivory Coast side despite leading 2-0.
Neither Aubameyang nor Ecuele Manga featured in the final match, with Aubameyang having returned to his club, Olympique de Marseille, for treatment on a thigh injury.
“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.
Aubameyang, 36, responded on social media, hinting at deeper issues within the team beyond individual players. It’s likely the defeat to Mozambique was his last showing for his country. Similarly, this measure will probably end Ecuele Manga’s international career.
The decision to disband a national team in response to poor performance is a rare move in modern football, given FIFA’s strict stance against government interference in football associations. The long-term ramifications of this action remain to be seen.
First Piper 