The Gabonese government has suspended its national football team indefinitely following a disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage.
The team finished last in Group F with three losses, prompting Acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula to announce the suspension, citing a “disgraceful performance”.
Veteran players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been excluded from the team, with Aubameyang responding on social media,
“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am”. The government has also dissolved the coaching staff, with coach Thierry Mouyouma’s future uncertain.
The suspension marks a dark day for Gabonese football, with the team’s poor showing sparking widespread criticism.
The government has urged the Gabonese Football Federation to take responsibility and learn from the failure, aiming to rebuild the team and restore national pride.
