Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Gabon’s government has suspended the national football team, banned striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and sacked coach Thierry Mouyouma following their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The team lost 3-2 to the Ivory Coast on 31 December in their final group match, after already being knocked out by defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique.
Gabon finished bottom of their group in Morocco, with Sports Minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula describing their earlier performances against Cameroon and Mozambique as “disgraceful.” Said Mamboula:
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.”
Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Aubameyang missed the final group game, having returned to Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury.
In the past, it was common for African governments to disband national teams after poor results, but such interventions have become less frequent since FIFA tightened rules on government interference.
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