The Gabonese government removes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and disbands Panthers squad after poor Africa Cup of Nations performance.
In an unprecedented step, Gabon's authorities have revealed the immediate suspension of the Panthers squad, the dismissal of the coaching staff, and the expulsion of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the team.
This drastic action comes after the team's last-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they lost all three matches.
“In light of the Panthers’ shameful showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, freeze the national team for now, and exclude players the two veteran players,” said acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.
Group Stage of Disappointment
Coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon were already out after suffering defeats in their first two of Group F contests to Cameroon and Mozambique.
In their last match, the Panthers surprisingly led over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire before letting in three scores to a second-string Ivorian lineup, eventually losing 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.
Veteran Players Absent
Both Aubameyang and the veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga took part in the final match.
The ex-continental player of the year Aubameyang had gone back to his club, Marseille, for treatment on a muscle issue.
Responding to the announcement on his account, Aubameyang suggested the issues ran beyond any single player: “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the player I am.”
At 36 and 37 years old respectively, the loss to Mozambique probably was the final international game for the two veterans, Ecuele Manga.
A Drastic Measure in Contemporary Soccer
Disbanding a national team was formerly a frequent response in Africa to poor performances.
However, since FIFA, football’s global governing body, has adopted a firm position against state intervention in soccer federations, such moves have become increasingly rare in today's football landscape.
