Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been marked by both hope and disappointment. As Gabon faced Cameroon on December 24, 2025, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat, raising questions about their chances of progressing in the tournament. With a crucial match against Mozambique in Agadir ahead, Aubameyang’s quest for AFCON glory hangs in the balance.
Aubameyang’s AFCON Legacy: An Unfulfilled Chapter
This upcoming tournament marks Aubameyang’s sixth AFCON appearance. He made his international debut in 2009, choosing to play for Gabon over Spain and France. His first AFCON outing in 2010 was brief, with only 43 minutes across three substitute appearances. However, his breakout performance came in 2012, where he became Gabon’s joint top scorer in history after netting against Niger, Morocco, and Tunisia.
The 2012 Heartbreak
- Aubameyang missed a crucial penalty in the quarterfinals against Mali, leading to Gabon’s exit.
- His disappointing miss left a significant mark on his early career.
Since then, Aubameyang’s subsequent AFCON campaigns have been plagued by challenges. Gabon failed to qualify in 2013 and had early exits in 2015 and 2017. The 2017 tournament was particularly difficult, as political turmoil in Gabon clouded the team’s morale, with Aubameyang facing harsh criticism from local media.
Recent Struggles and Looking Ahead
After brief absences from international tournaments, Aubameyang returned for the 2021 edition in Cameroon. Unfortunately, he faced another setback, testing positive for COVID-19 which sidelined him from critical matches. Despite his club success, including ten goal involvements in 14 matches with Marseille, his age (36) raises questions about his future impact in upcoming AFCON tournaments.
A New Generation on the Horizon
Gabon enters the current tournament with a squad mainly composed of experienced players. Eleven members are over 30, including key figures like Mario Lemina and Bruno Ecuele Manga. Despite their wealth of experience, the prospect of a transformative generation is looming.
- Aubameyang is seen as a technical leader by national coach Thierry Mouyouma.
- He remains a central figure, emphasizing his dedication and professionalism.
However, off-field tensions persist, notably between Gabon and Marseille, complicating Aubameyang’s participation. His performance against Cameroon, despite the earlier injury concerns, has led to scrutiny from both his club and country.
The Path Forward for Gabon
As Gabon prepares for their decisive match against Mozambique, the outcome will be pivotal not just for their AFCON journey, but potentially for Aubameyang’s legacy. Time is running out for the talented forward to leave a lasting mark on Gabon’s AFCON history.
With his career nearing its twilight, the upcoming matches represent possibly his final opportunities to shine on this significant stage. The Gabonese national team hopes that he can propel them to the knockout stages, as they seek redemption and glory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
