### Gabon's National Football Team Faces Suspension and Major Overhaul After Disastrous AFCON Campaign Gabon’s national football team has been suspended by the government following a catastrophic performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. The team, known as "The Panthers," finished last in their group, losing all three matches, which prompted the government to take drastic measures. The sports minister, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, announced the suspension on national television, stating that the team would not participate in any upcoming matches until further notice. Additionally, star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been banned from the national squad, alongside the dismissal of the coaching staff, including head coach Thierry Mouyouma. This unprecedented action reflects the government's dissatisfaction with the team's performance and aims to initiate a complete overhaul of Gabon's football structure [https://www.firstpost.com/sports/football-news/gabon-suspends-national-football-team-afcon-2025-aubameyang-13964648.html, https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/government-suspends-gabon-team-and-bans-aubameyang.html]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Developments and Actions Taken 1. **Team Suspension**: Gabon's government has suspended the national football team indefinitely after their poor showing at AFCON 2025, where they lost all three group matches [https://www.pulse.com.gh/story/gabon-government-dissolves-national-team-sacks-coach-and-drops-aubameyang-after-afcon-exit-2026010208444581423]. 2. **Player Bans**: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team's captain, has been banned from future national team selections, alongside defender Bruno Ecuélé Manga [https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/gabon-government-kick-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-out-of-squad-sack-coach-and-suspend-team-after-afcon-defeats/a682705678.html]. 3. **Coaching Staff Dismissal**: The coaching staff, including head coach Thierry Mouyouma, has been sacked as part of the government's response to the team's failures [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/gabon-government-sack-aubameyang-and-national-team-5772431]. 4. **Public Announcement**: The announcement was made by the interim sports minister on national television, highlighting the government's commitment to accountability in sports [https://apnews.com/article/gabon-aubameyang-suspended-africa-cup-91f2d18fbdf749fc8411d1feaee8e179]. ### Evidence of Performance and Government Response - **AFCON Performance**: Gabon finished last in their group, losing all three matches, including a notable 3-2 defeat to Ivory Coast, which underscored their struggles throughout the tournament [https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/gabon-government-kick-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-out-of-squad-sack-coach-and-suspend-team-after-afcon-defeats/a682705678.html]. - **Government's Justification**: The government described the team's performance as "disgraceful," leading to the immediate suspension and restructuring of the national team [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-afcon-gabon-36482884]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Reform in Gabonese Football In summary, Gabon's national football team has been suspended following a disastrous AFCON campaign, with significant changes implemented to address the failures. The government's actions reflect a strong stance on accountability and the need for reform in Gabonese football. 1. **Immediate Suspension**: The national team is suspended indefinitely, with no clear timeline for future matches. 2. **Player Exclusions**: Key players, including Aubameyang, are banned from future selections. 3. **Coaching Changes**: The entire coaching staff has been dismissed to pave the way for new leadership. 4. **Government Accountability**: The public announcement emphasizes the government's commitment to improving the national team's performance. These steps indicate a critical juncture for Gabonese football, aiming to rebuild and restore the team's competitive edge on the continental stage [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3747004-gabon-shakes-up-footballing-roster-post-afcon-exit].