David GOMBE
Gabon’s government has suspended the national football team, sacked their coach and ditched Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the squad following their poor show at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The development was confirmed by Gabon’s acting sports minister after the team was eliminated from the continental showpiece following three group defeats in Morocco.
“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,” said Simplice-Désiré Mamboula after Gabon’s 3-2 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Marrakech.
Gabon managed by the former defender Thierry Mouyouma, had already been eliminated after losing their opening two fixtures in Group F to Cameroon and Mozambique.
Aubameyang and veteran defender Ecuele Manga did not feature in Wednesday’s defeat to Ivory Coast. Aubameyang, a former African Footballer of the Year had already returned to his club Marseille due to a thigh injury.
He also took time to respond on social media, saying on X: “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.” Said the former Chelsea and Arsenal striker
