đ Share this article Gabon excludes Aubameyang and disbands national team after disappointing Africa Cup of Nations exit. In a strong reaction, the Gabonese government have revealed the temporary dissolution of the Panthers squad, the termination of the team's coaches, and the expulsion of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad. This severe measure comes after the team's last-place finish at the continental championship in Morocco, where they suffered three defeats. âConsidering the Panthersâ disgraceful display at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to terminate the coaching staff, freeze the national team indefinitely, and remove players Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga,â announced acting sports minister Simplice-DĂ©sirĂ© Mamboula. The Tournament of Disappointment Coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon faced early exit after falling in their opening pair of Group F fixtures to their group rivals. In their final outing, the Panthers took a two-goal lead over title holders CĂŽte dâIvoire before conceding three goals to a changed Ivorian lineup, falling to a 3-2 defeat in Marrakech. Senior Squad Members Absent Both Aubameyang and the experienced centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga took part in the final match. The former African Footballer of the Year Aubameyang had returned to his club, Marseille, for recovery from a thigh injury. Reacting to the government's decision on his account, Aubameyang stated the challenges ran deeper than any single player: âI think the teamâs problems are more complex than the player I am.â At thirty-six and thirty-seven years old each, the loss to Mozambique likely marked the final international match for the two veterans, Ecuele Manga. A Rare Measure in Modern Football Suspending a national team was previously a frequent response in Africa to disappointing results. However, given that FIFA, footballâs world authority, has cracked down against political meddling in soccer federations, such decisions have become increasingly rare in today's football landscape.
In a strong reaction, the Gabonese government have revealed the temporary dissolution of the Panthers squad, the termination of the team's coaches, and the expulsion of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad. This severe measure comes after the team's last-place finish at the continental championship in Morocco, where they suffered three defeats. âConsidering the Panthersâ disgraceful display at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to terminate the coaching staff, freeze the national team indefinitely, and remove players Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga,â announced acting sports minister Simplice-DĂ©sirĂ© Mamboula. The Tournament of Disappointment Coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon faced early exit after falling in their opening pair of Group F fixtures to their group rivals. In their final outing, the Panthers took a two-goal lead over title holders CĂŽte dâIvoire before conceding three goals to a changed Ivorian lineup, falling to a 3-2 defeat in Marrakech. Senior Squad Members Absent Both Aubameyang and the experienced centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga took part in the final match. The former African Footballer of the Year Aubameyang had returned to his club, Marseille, for recovery from a thigh injury. Reacting to the government's decision on his account, Aubameyang stated the challenges ran deeper than any single player: âI think the teamâs problems are more complex than the player I am.â At thirty-six and thirty-seven years old each, the loss to Mozambique likely marked the final international match for the two veterans, Ecuele Manga. A Rare Measure in Modern Football Suspending a national team was previously a frequent response in Africa to disappointing results. However, given that FIFA, footballâs world authority, has cracked down against political meddling in soccer federations, such decisions have become increasingly rare in today's football landscape.