Gabon has reinstated its players to the national team following their expulsion after a disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. The decision comes after the Gabonese government suspended both players and coaching staff, including head coach Thierry Mouyouma, due to the team’s inability to secure a win during the tournament.
The Gabonese squad faced elimination from the AFCON after losing their first two matches. They suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to rivals Cameroon, followed by a 3-2 loss against Mozambique. In light of these results, the government took drastic measures, leading to the suspension of the entire team and the dismissal of the coaching staff.
On January 3, 2024, Gabon’s newly appointed sports minister, Paul Ulrich Kessany, communicated with the Gabonese Football Federation to announce the lifting of the suspension for the players. Despite this reinstatement, Mouyouma and his coaching staff remain dismissed. The federation stated that Kessany emphasized the importance of upcoming competitions, particularly the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup qualifiers, and instructed the federation to prepare for the selection of a new coaching staff.
The interim sports minister, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, had publicly announced the suspensions and dismissals on national television immediately following Gabon’s final group match against Ivory Coast on December 31, 2023. Kessany, a former Gabonese player, took office with the aim of revitalizing the national team ahead of future competitions.
The decision to reinstate the players reflects a shift in priorities for Gabon’s sports administration, as they look to rebuild and strengthen the team ahead of critical qualifiers. The Gabonese Football Federation is now tasked with formulating a strategy to enhance the performance of the national squad, which has faced scrutiny following its early exit from the tournament.
As Gabon prepares for the future, the outcome of the new coaching staff selection and the players’ performance in upcoming matches will be closely watched by fans and officials alike, eager for a turnaround in fortune on the continental stage.
