The Gabonese government dismisses Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and suspends national team after poor Afcon performance.

In an unprecedented step, Gabon's authorities have announced the immediate suspension of the men's national football team, the termination of the team's coaches, and the exclusion of veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad.

This drastic action comes after the team's group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they lost all three matches.

“In light of the Panthers’ shameful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to terminate the coaching staff, freeze the national team until further notice, and exclude players Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga,” said acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula.

A Campaign of Disappointment

Coached by ex-player Thierry Mouyouma, Gabon were already out after suffering defeats in their opening pair of Group F fixtures to their group rivals.

In their final outing, the Panthers took a two-goal lead over title holders Côte d’Ivoire before conceding three goals to a changed Ivorian lineup, eventually losing 3-2 defeat in Marrakech.

Veteran Players Not Involved

Both Aubameyang and the experienced centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga featured in the Wednesday's contest.

The former African Footballer of the Year Aubameyang had rejoined his club, Marseille, for recovery from a leg problem.

Reacting to the government's decision on his account, Aubameyang stated the issues ran deeper than any one person: “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the person I am.”

At thirty-six and 37 years old respectively, the loss to Mozambique may have been the final international game for the two veterans, Ecuele Manga.

A Drastic Action in Modern Football

Disbanding a national side was previously a typical measure in Africa to tournament failures.

However, given that FIFA, football’s international federation, has adopted a firm position against government interference in the sport's administration, such decisions have become increasingly rare in recent years.