The government of Gabon has taken an unprecedented decision to temporarily dissolve the country’s national football team following its disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to "İdman.Biz", the official statement was read out on national television. The authorities described the results of the "Panthers" at the tournament as unacceptable and contrary to the state and ethical values of the republic.
In the official address, the government announced the dissolution of the national team’s coaching staff, the suspension of the team’s activities until further notice, and the permanent exclusion of captain Bruno Ecuele Manga and the all time top scorer of the national team, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang is Gabon’s record goalscorer with 41 goals, while Ecuele Manga made 118 appearances for the national team and served as captain for many years. Head coach Thierry Mouyouma had been in charge of the team since 2023.
At the Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon lost all three group stage matches. The team was defeated by Cameroon 0-1, suffered a surprise 2-3 loss to Mozambique, and then, despite leading 2-0, lost 2-3 to Ivory Coast after conceding decisive goals late in the match. As a result, Gabon finished the tournament with zero points, while all of their group opponents advanced to the knockout stage.
