In an unprecedented step, the Gabonese government have declared the temporary dissolution of the Panthers squad, the termination of the team's coaches, and the expulsion of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad.
This severe measure comes in the wake of the team's last-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they were defeated in every game.
“In light of the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dismiss the coaching staff, disband the national team until further notice, and exclude players the two veteran players,” announced acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.
A Campaign of Disappointment
Coached by ex-player Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon were already out after losing their opening pair of Group F contests to their group rivals.
In their last match, the Panthers were 2-0 up over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire before letting in three scores to a changed Ivorian lineup, eventually losing 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.
Key Figures Absent
Neither Aubameyang nor the experienced centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga played in the last game.
The former African Footballer of the Year Aubameyang had returned to his club, Marseille, for recovery from a thigh injury.
Reacting to the announcement on social media, Aubameyang implied the problems ran beyond any individual: “I think the team’s problems are far more profound than the person I am.”
At thirty-six and thirty-seven years old each, the defeat by Mozambique likely marked the concluding appearance for both Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga.
A Drastic Step in Contemporary Soccer
Suspending a national team was once a common reaction in Africa to poor performances.
However, as FIFA, football’s world authority, has adopted a firm position against political meddling in football associations, such moves have become a rare occurrence in the modern era.
