In an unprecedented step, Gabon's authorities have revealed the immediate suspension of the men's national football team, the sacking of the team's coaches, and the removal of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the team.
This drastic action comes in the wake of the team's last-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they lost all three matches.
“Considering the Panthers’ unacceptable showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dismiss the coaching staff, disband the national team until further notice, and remove players the two veteran players,” stated acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.
The Tournament of Frustration
Coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon faced early exit after falling in their initial matches of Group F games to Mozambique and Cameroon.
In their final outing, the Panthers were 2-0 up over title holders Côte d’Ivoire before surrendering their advantage to a rotated Ivorian lineup, falling to a 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.
Key Figures Absent
Neither Aubameyang nor the experienced centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga played in the final match.
The ex-continental player of the year Aubameyang had rejoined his club, Marseille, for treatment on a muscle issue.
Answering to the measures on a social platform, Aubameyang suggested the challenges ran beyond any individual: “I think the team’s problems are far more profound than the person I am.”
At thirty-six and 37 years old each, the defeat by Mozambique likely marked the concluding appearance for the two veterans, Ecuele Manga.
A Drastic Measure in Contemporary Soccer
Dissolving a national team was once a common reaction in Africa to disappointing results.
However, since FIFA, football’s world authority, has adopted a firm position against political meddling in soccer federations, such moves have become a rare occurrence in the modern era.
