Gabon Government Sacks Aubameyang and Entire National Team After ‘Disgraceful’ AFCON Exit

01.01.2026 | Football DNA ⚽️

Minister Announces Dissolution of Team and Coaching Staff Following Poor Tournament Display

Gabon’s government has taken a dramatic step in the wake of the country’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco. Following three straight defeats and a bottom-of-the-table finish in their group, the authorities have dissolved the national team setup, dismissed the entire coaching staff, and expelled star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang along with veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad.

The announcement was made live on national television by acting Minister of Sports, Simplice-Desire Mamboula, shortly after Gabon’s 3–2 defeat to Ivory Coast in Marrakech. The Panthers had led 2–0 before collapsing defensively and conceding three unanswered goals to a second-string Ivorian side.

“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,”

— Acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula

A Tournament to Forget

Under head coach Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon lost all three of their Group F matches — falling to Cameroon and Mozambique before surrendering their lead against Ivory Coast. The final match confirmed what had already been a disastrous campaign, sparking national outrage and calls for accountability.

Notably, neither Aubameyang nor Ecuele Manga played in the final match. Aubameyang had returned to Olympique de Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury, while Manga had already been sidelined.

Aubameyang Responds

The 36-year-old former African Footballer of the Year responded to the developments on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”

With the decision taken, Aubameyang — one of Gabon’s greatest football figures — may have played his last game for the national team. The same is likely true for the 37-year-old Manga.

Government Interference Concerns

While African governments historically reacted to football disappointment with sweeping suspensions and structural resets, such moves have become rare due to FIFA’s strict stance against political interference in football administration. Gabon now faces potential scrutiny from world football authorities over the decision.

Whether this drastic step will bring reform or spark further controversy remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: Gabon’s AFCON collapse has rewritten the headlines in dramatic fashion.