Gabon National Team AFCON 2025 Suspension: Aubameyang Excluded After Exit
Gabon's government has suspended the national football team and sacked its staff after a winless AFCON 2025. Star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been excluded. Read more on the potential FIFA fallout.
Even the presence of a legendary striker couldn't prevent a total collapse. Following a disastrous campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Gabonese government has taken the extraordinary step of disbanding its national football team and purging its star players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Gabon National Team AFCON 2025 Suspension and Sacking
According to official reports, acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the suspension on national television. The decision comes after the "Panthers" finished rock bottom of Group F in Morocco. The government has dissolved the entire coaching staff, led by Thierry Mouyouma, and indefinitely halted the team's operations.
The final straw was a 3-2 loss to the Ivory Coast in Marrakesh on December 31, 2025. Despite being 2-0 up against a second-string Ivorian side, Gabon conceded three unanswered goals. This followed previous defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique, leaving the Central African nation with zero points from three matches.
FIFA's Stance and Aubameyang's Reaction
The exclusion of Aubameyang (36) and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga (37) signals the end of an era. Aubameyang, who missed the final game due to a thigh injury and had returned to Olympique de Marseille, didn't hold back on social media.
I think the team's problems are much deeper than the individual I am.
Historically, such government interference triggers immediate sanctions from FIFA. World football's governing body has a zero-tolerance policy toward political meddling in football associations. By "pulling the plug," the Gabonese government risks a total ban from international competition for several years, further crippling the sport in the country.
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