The Gabonese government excludes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and dissolves Panthers squad after disappointing Africa Cup of Nations performance.
In an unprecedented step, the Gabonese government have revealed the indefinite suspension of the men's national football team, the dismissal of the coaching staff, and the removal of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad.
This radical decision comes after the team's early elimination at the continental championship 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 dismiss the coaching staff, freeze the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” said acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.
The Tournament of Failure
Coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon were already out after losing their initial matches of Group F fixtures to Mozambique and Cameroon.
In their last match, the Panthers were 2-0 up over title holders Côte d’Ivoire before surrendering their advantage to a changed Ivorian lineup, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.
Veteran Players Absent
Both Aubameyang and the experienced centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga featured in the Wednesday's contest.
The former African Footballer of the Year Aubameyang had returned to his club, Marseille, for recovery from a leg problem.
Answering to the announcement on social media, Aubameyang stated the issues ran deeper than any individual: “I think the team’s problems are far more profound than the player I am.”
At 36 and 37 years old each, the defeat by Mozambique probably was the last appearance for both Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga.
An Uncommon Step in Contemporary Soccer
Disbanding a country's squad was previously a common reaction in Africa to poor performances.
However, as FIFA, football’s international federation, has cracked down against state intervention in football associations, such actions have become increasingly rare in today's football landscape.
