The Gabonese government removes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and disbands Panthers squad after poor Africa Cup of Nations exit.

In a strong reaction, Gabon's authorities have revealed the indefinite suspension of the Panthers squad, the termination of the coaching staff, and the exclusion of star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad.

This drastic action comes after the team's last-place finish at the continental championship in Morocco, where they suffered three defeats.

“Given the Panthers’ shameful showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dismiss the coaching staff, freeze the national team for now, and remove players Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga,” announced acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.

A Campaign of Disappointment

Coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon faced early exit after falling in their first two of Group F contests to Cameroon and Mozambique.

In their final outing, the Panthers took a two-goal lead over title holders Côte d’Ivoire before letting in three scores to a second-string Ivorian lineup, falling to a 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.

Key Figures Missing

Neither Aubameyang nor the veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga played in the Wednesday's contest.

The ex-continental player of the year Aubameyang had returned to his club, Marseille, for recovery from a leg problem.

Answering to the announcement on a social platform, Aubameyang stated the problems ran deeper than any one person: “I think the team’s problems are far more profound than the person I am.”

At thirty-six and 37 years old each, the loss to Mozambique may have been the final international appearance for both Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga.

A Rare Step in Modern Football

Disbanding a country's squad was once a common reaction in Africa to poor performances.

However, since FIFA, football’s global governing body, has adopted a firm position against political meddling in the sport's administration, such actions have become increasingly rare in the modern era.