The Gabonese government has taken drastic action following the Panthers’ disastrous early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, dissolving the entire technical crew and permanently excluding senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from the national team.
Gabon endured a miserable campaign at the tournament, losing all three of their group matches.
Their final outing summed up their struggles, as the Panthers squandered a two-goal advantage to fall 3-2 against Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday.
Reacting to the elimination, Gabon’s Minister of Sport announced sweeping sanctions against the team and its handlers.
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance in the 2025 African Cup of Nations, and considering the demonstration of values contrary to the ethics and virtue that distinguish our Republic, the Government has decided to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and permanently exclude the players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang,” the minister said.
He further charged the country’s football authorities to take responsibility for the situation.
“In conclusion, the Government calls on the Gabonese Football Federation to assume its full responsibilities.”
