Gabon's government has suspended the national football team and dismissed the coaching staff following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign that saw them finish bottom of their group with three defeats.
Acting sports minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula announced the measures on television after the team's 3-2 loss to Côte d'Ivoire on Wednesday, despite leading 2-0 at half-time. The result eliminated Gabon from the tournament in Morocco.
As part of the sanctions, former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and defender Bruno Ecuele Manga have been dropped from the squad. Aubameyang, who left the tournament early due to a thigh injury, responded on social media saying: 'I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.'
The decision to suspend the national team is a rare move given Fifa's strict rules against government interference in football associations. Gabon, coached by Thierry Mouyouma, lost all three Group F matches against Cameroon, Mozambique and the defending champions.
