In a drastic response to a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, the Gabonese government has officially suspended its entire national football team. The decision, announced by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula, includes the immediate dismissal of head coach Thierry Mouyouma and imposes bans on two key players: veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The disciplinary action follows Gabon’s premature exit from the tournament held in Morocco, where the team finished at the bottom of their group. Their campaign concluded with a 3-2 defeat to Ivory Coast on December 31st, despite initially holding a two-goal lead. Earlier losses to Cameroon and Mozambique had already sealed their fate before the final match.
Minister Mamboula characterized the team’s overall performance as ‘disgraceful,’ justifying the government’s severe measures. The suspension of the national side remains in effect indefinitely pending further review.
Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading scorer with 40 international goals, was notably absent from the final match due to a thigh injury that required treatment back at his club, Marseille. The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward responded to the sanctions by suggesting the team’s issues extend far beyond his individual contributions.
This move marks a return to a previously common practice in African football, where governments would dissolve national teams following poor results. However, such direct interference has become less frequent in recent years due to FIFA’s stricter regulations regarding political intervention in football matters. Coach Mouyouma’s tenure, which lasted just over two years, has now been abruptly terminated.