Gabon Government Suspends National Football Team After AFCON Failure

The government of Gabon has taken unprecedented measures against the national football team following its failure at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Authorities announced the immediate suspension of the team’s activities until further notice, effectively freezing the country’s main football project.

The decision came in response to the team’s disastrous performance at the continental tournament. Gabon failed to earn a single point in Group F, where they faced Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Mozambique, suffering three consecutive defeats and finishing last.

As part of the announced “reset,” the entire coaching staff of the national team has been dismissed. In addition, the government has imposed a ban on calling up several key players. Among those sanctioned are Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, long considered the face of Gabonese football, as well as team captain Bruno Ecuele Manga.

Officials stress that these tough measures are aimed at a deep reform of the national team’s management system and a reassessment of football development strategies in the country. No timeline has yet been announced for the team’s possible return to full activity.