By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 1st January 2025
The Gabonese government has taken one of the most drastic actions seen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dissolving the national team setup and dismissing the entire coaching staff following a humiliating group-stage exit in Morocco.
The decision comes after three consecutive defeats, leaving the Panthers bottom of their group and triggering widespread outrage back home.
Minister Confirms Sweeping Decisions
The announcement was made live on national television by acting Minister of Sports Simplice-Desire Mamboula, shortly after Gabon’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Marrakech.
Gabon had raced into a 2–0 lead, only to collapse defensively and concede three unanswered goals against an Ivorian side that fielded several second-string players.
“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,”
— Simplice-Desire Mamboula
A Tournament to Forget
Under head coach Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon endured a nightmare AFCON campaign:
The three defeats sealed a bottom-place finish in Group F, confirming one of the worst AFCON performances in the nation’s history.
Aubameyang and Manga Excluded
Notably, neither Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang nor Bruno Ecuele Manga featured in the final match.
Aubameyang had returned to Olympique de Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury, while Manga had already been sidelined. Despite their absence, both senior players have now been officially excluded from the national team setup.
At 36, Aubameyang — Gabon’s most recognisable football figure and former African Footballer of the Year — may have played his final international match.
Aubameyang Responds
Reacting to the government’s decision, Aubameyang issued a brief but pointed statement on X (formerly Twitter):
“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”
His comment has sparked debate, with many fans questioning whether the blame has been unfairly placed on senior players rather than structural issues within Gabonese football.
Concerns Over Government Interference
While government intervention following football failure was once common across Africa, such actions have become increasingly rare due to FIFA regulations prohibiting political interference in football administration.
Gabon’s decision to suspend the national team and dismiss officials could now attract scrutiny from FIFA and CAF, potentially opening the door to sanctions if governance rules are deemed to have been breached.
Conclusion
Gabon’s AFCON 2025 collapse has triggered a political and footballing earthquake. Whether this dramatic reset leads to genuine reform or further instability remains unclear, but the consequences of the Panthers’ disastrous campaign will be felt long after the tournament ends.
