Gabon government sacks Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, suspends national team after 'dishonourable' Africa Cup of Nations performance

The Gabonese government has taken drastic measures after the country's poor performance in the Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost all three group-stage games. A 3-2 loss to Cote d'Ivoire on Wednesday has prompted the government to suspend the national team, sack head coach Thierry Mouyouma and ban both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and captain Bruno ‍Ecuele Manga from the squad.

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Gabon's government has dramatically suspended the national football team, sacked head coach Thierry Mouyouma and banned striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad following their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Gabon were eliminated from AFCON after defeats in their opening two matches, losing 1-0 to Cameroon and 3-2 to Mozambique.

A very poor group-stage campaign then concluded with a third reverse on Wednesday, as they blew a 2-0 lead against defending champions Cote d'Ivoire, losing 3-2.

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The exit prompted a strong response from the country's government, which took measures against what they called a "dishonourable performance".

Former defender Mouyouma and his coaching staff were removed, and the national team were suspended until further notice following the 3-2 loss in Marrakech.

Alongside Aubameyang, Gabon captain Bruno ‍Ecuele Manga ⁠was also banned.

The country's Minister of Sports Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the measures during a television briefing.

"Considering the multifaceted effects, which are the antithesis of the ethical and exemplary values advocated by the Fifth Republic, the government has decided to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang," Mamboula said.

"[The Gabonese Football Federation are] invited to take full responsibility," the statement added.

Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga, who had previously retracted his international retirement to return to the squad, each captained the national side during the first two matches of the tournament.

It has in the past been common for African governments to disband national teams after disappointing results.

Such measures have happened less since FIFA's statutes now prevent interference from governments into the affairs of their country's football association.

Gabon midfielder Clench Loufilou sums up the team's despair following their defeat to Cote d'Ivoire at the Africa Cup of Nations

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Aubameyang, who had previously retired from international football in 2022 before returning a year later, did not play in the final group game after he returned to Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury.

"I think the team's problems are far deeper than the little person who I am," Aubameyang responded on X.

A dispute between the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) and Marseille about the handling of Aubameyang and his fitness issues also impacted their AFCON campaign.

Gabon have never made it past the quarter-final stage at AFCON, and were playing in the tournament for the first time since 2021 after failing to qualify for the 2023 competition.

After coming from behind to beat Gabon, Cote d'Ivoire will face Burkina Faso in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

Burkina Faso claimed second place in Group E behind Algeria, who were the only team alongside Nigeria to finish with three wins from three in the group stages.

They will face off in Marrakech as the defending champions hope to become the first side since Egypt in 2010 to defend their crown.

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Africa Cup of Nations