The Gabonese government has taken decisive action following the national football team’s disappointing performance in the Africa Cup of Nations. Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been banned, and coach Thierry Mouyouma has been terminated from his position. These decisions were announced by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula.
Key Events Surrounding Gabon’s Defeat
The announcement followed Gabon’s 3-2 loss to the Ivory Coast on December 31. The defeat marked the culmination of a poor showing in the tournament, where Gabon finished last in their group. Prior losses to Cameroon and Mozambique had already raised concerns about the team’s performance.
Government Actions Post-Tournament
- Suspension of the National Team: The government has suspended the team indefinitely.
- Firing of Coach: Thierry Mouyouma has been dismissed from his role as head coach.
- Player Bans: Both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga have been excluded from future selections.
Minister Mamboula described the performance of the team as “disgraceful.” He emphasized that such outcomes were unacceptable and warranted immediate action. The Gabonese government is seeking to reevaluate their strategies moving forward in hopes of improving future performances at international tournaments.
