The Gabon Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) has confirmed that,the suspension of the national team, the Panthers has been officially lifted after lasting only about 12 days.
This follows the government’s initial decision announced on January 1, 2026, which came in response to the team’s winless group-stage exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they lost all three matches: to Cameroon, Mozambique, and a dramatic collapse against Ivory Coast after leading 2-0.
The original measures included dissolving the entire coaching staff led by head coach Thierry Mouyouma, halting all national team activities indefinitely, and specifically excluding star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and veteran captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from any future selection. Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time leading goalscorer with over 40 goals, had missed the final group game due to a thigh injury that required him to return to his club, Marseille. Ecuele Manga, the country’s most-capped player with more than 100 appearances, had been dropped for that same match despite starting the first two.
The swift reversal was announced on January 12, 2026, with FEGAFOOT stating that the national team’s suspension is now reversed in full. The bans on both Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga have also been completely lifted, meaning both experienced players are reinstated and eligible for future call-ups.
This development follows discussions and intervention involving the Sports Ministry, which has directed FEGAFOOT to prepare and submit a comprehensive plan for establishing a new technical team, including coaching staff and support personnel.
The urgency stems from the approaching AFCON 2027 qualification process, which is set to begin in March 2026 with the group stage draw expected soon, ahead of matches running through October and potential play-offs in November. Hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are already qualified, with the remaining spots to be filled through this cycle.
The initial government action had sparked concerns over potential FIFA sanctions for third-party interference in football governance, as seen in past cases like Nigeria in 2010 or Zimbabwe in 2022, where similar interventions led to temporary bans from international competitions.
The rapid lifting of the suspension appears to have resolved the immediate risk and allowed Gabon to refocus on rebuilding ahead of future commitments. Observers will now await details on the new coaching appointment and how the team integrates its veterans as they aim to recover from the disappointing Morocco campaign.