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The Digest:

The Gabonese government has taken drastic action following the national team's group-stage elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, suspending the squad indefinitely and permanently excluding star veterans Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga. The acting sports minister announced the sanctions after labelling the team's performance "disgraceful."

Key Points:
  • The entire men's national team has been suspended indefinitely by government directive.
  • Veteran stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga have been permanently excluded from the squad.
  • The technical crew, led by coach Thierry Mouyouma, has been dissolved.
  • Gabon lost all three Group F matches, including a collapse from a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Côte d'Ivoire.
  • Neither Aubameyang nor Manga played in the final match; Aubameyang had returned to his club due to injury.
  • The decision follows a recent 4-1 extra-time defeat to Nigeria in World Cup qualifying play-offs.
  • The government cited the team’s overall poor performance and lack of resilience as grounds for the sanctions.
The sweeping punishment reflects a national storm of disappointment, where the fallout from sporting failure extends beyond the pitch to dismantle the very structure of the team.

Sources: The Cable, Gabonese Sports Ministry