Gabon lifts Aubameyang, Manga suspensions after AFCON exit

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — The Gabon Football Association (FEGAFOOT) said Tuesday that government-imposed sanctions on the national team, including the suspension of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and defender Bruno Ecuélé Manga, have been lifted following the country’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Aubameyang, the former Arsenal captain, and Manga were suspended indefinitely after Gabon lost all three Group F matches at the tournament in Morocco, falling 1–0 to Cameroon, 3–2 to Mozambique and 3–2 to Ivory Coast.

The suspensions were announced days after the team returned home by then acting Sports Minister Dr. Simplice Désiré Mamboula, who cited the disappointing campaign.

In a statement, FEGAFOOT said the Ministry of Sports had reversed the decision.

“The government measures suspending the national team have been lifted, as well as the exclusion of players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuélé Manga following the unsatisfactory results of the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations,” the statement said.

Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany cited the urgency of upcoming fixtures, including preparations linked to the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The ministry also asked FEGAFOOT to begin arrangements for appointing a new technical staff for the national team.

The initial sanctions had raised concerns about possible political interference in football, which is prohibited under FIFA regulations.