Gabon Suspends National Football Team After Africa Cup of Nations Defeats
Gabon's government has suspended the national football team, dissolved the coaching staff, and excluded veteran players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga following poor performances at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula announced the measures on television after Gabon finished bottom in Group F and were eliminated from the competition following a 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast in Marrakech.
Coach Thierry Mouyouma, a former defender, was dismissed by the government. Gabon's elimination had already been confirmed after earlier defeats to Cameroon and Mozambique.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed the final group game as he had returned to Marseille for treatment of a thigh injury. Bruno Ecuele Manga was also excluded from the squad. Both veteran players are expected to end their international careers with Gabon.
The government described Gabon's Africa Cup of Nations showing as disgraceful, taking the rare step of intervening directly despite FIFA's crackdown on government interference in football associations.
