Gabon has decided to lift the sanctions that were previously imposed on its national football team and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following their disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Morocco. The Gabonese team ended up at the bottom of Group F, losing all three of their matches against Cameroon, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast. This poor showing led to harsh criticism from the former Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula, who labeled it as “disgraceful.”
On January 1, Mamboula announced significant actions, including the suspension of the national team, the firing of head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and the exclusion of both Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from future games. However, the new sports minister Paul Ulrich Kessany has reversed these measures. His decision is seen as crucial, as it potentially avoids the risk of Fifa sanctioning the Gabonese football federation (Fegafoot) for governmental interference in sports.
In a recent statement, Fegafoot expressed gratitude for the resolution of this matter, which Kessany emphasized was important due to upcoming deadlines, including the qualification draw for the 2027 Afcon. Additionally, Kessany extended an invitation to Fegafoot to submit the necessary details for the selection of new technical staff to replace Mouyouma.
Kessany’s actions reflect a commitment to revitalizing Gabonese football and ensuring a more stable environment for the national team ahead of future competitions. This development comes as a hopeful sign for fans and stakeholders who wish to see the Gabonese side return to a competitive stature in African football.