Gabon's forward #09 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang controls the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group F football match between Gabon and Mozambique at Grand Stadium in Agadir on December 28, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Gabon has lifted the sanctions it imposed on the national football team and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the country’s disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The Panthers finished bottom of Group F, prompting then-Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula to suspend the team, sack coach Thierry Mouyouma, and exclude Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from the national setup on January 1. The decision clears the way for Aubameyang’s potential return to the national team and signals a move toward stabilising Gabonese football ahead of upcoming international competitions. PUNCH Online had reported that ex-Gabon sports minister had announced the banning of veteran players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, the suspension of the whole national team, and the sacking of the coaching staff following the Panthers’ disastrous showing at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: Punch January 13, 2026 21:21 UTC