The Gabonese government dismisses Aubameyang and disbands Panthers squad after poor Afcon campaign.

In a strong reaction, Gabon's authorities have announced the indefinite suspension of the men's national football team, the dismissal of the team's coaches, and the exclusion of star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the team.

This radical decision comes following the team's last-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they suffered three defeats.

“In light of the Panthers’ shameful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to terminate the coaching staff, suspend the national team for now, and remove players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,” said acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.

A Campaign of Disappointment

Coached by ex-player Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon had already been eliminated after falling in their first two of Group F games to Cameroon and Mozambique.

In their final outing, the Panthers surprisingly led over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire before conceding three goals to a changed Ivorian lineup, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.

Veteran Players Not Involved

Both Aubameyang and the veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga featured in the final match.

The ex-continental player of the year Aubameyang had gone back to his club, Marseille, for treatment on a leg problem.

Answering to the measures on social media, Aubameyang stated the problems ran beyond any individual: “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”

At thirty-six and 37 years old respectively, the loss to Mozambique may have been the last match for both Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga.

A Drastic Step in Contemporary Soccer

Dissolving a country's squad was formerly a frequent response in Africa to poor performances.

However, since FIFA, football’s global governing body, has adopted a firm position against government interference in soccer federations, such actions have become a rare occurrence in the modern era.