In a decisive move, Gabon's authorities have revealed the immediate suspension of the men's national football team, the sacking of the team's coaches, and the removal of star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the team.
This drastic action comes following the team's group-stage exit at the continental championship in Morocco, where they were defeated in every game.
“In light of the Panthers’ unacceptable display at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, disband the national team indefinitely, and drop players the two veteran players,” said acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.
The Tournament of Frustration
Coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon were already out after falling in their initial matches of Group F contests to Cameroon and Mozambique.
In their concluding fixture, the Panthers were 2-0 up over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire before conceding three goals to a changed Ivorian lineup, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.
Key Figures Missing
Neither Aubameyang nor the veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga took part in the Wednesday's contest.
The ex-continental player of the year Aubameyang had rejoined his club, Marseille, for recovery from a thigh injury.
Answering to the announcement on a social platform, Aubameyang suggested the challenges ran deeper than any one person: “I think the team’s problems are more complex than the player I am.”
At thirty-six and 37 years old respectively, the defeat by Mozambique may have been the last match for the two veterans, Ecuele Manga.
A Drastic Action in Contemporary Soccer
Dissolving a country's squad was once a frequent response in Africa to poor performances.
However, as FIFA, football’s world authority, has adopted a firm position against government interference in football associations, such decisions have become a rare occurrence in today's football landscape.
