Gabon’s sports minister has announced sweeping decisions following the Panthers’ disastrous campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), including the initial suspension of the entire national team, the exclusion of senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, and the dismissal of the coaching staff.

Gabon’s poor showing was sealed by a heartbreaking 3–2 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast, with Bazoumana Touré scoring a dramatic injury-time winner. The loss marked Gabon’s third defeat in three group matches, leaving them bottom of Group F behind Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Mozambique.

In a statement released by the Gabon Football Federation on Tuesday, it was confirmed that the government has now lifted the sanctions imposed after the tournament.

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

Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany also stressed the urgency of moving forward, pointing to key upcoming commitments, including the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, as Gabon seeks to reset and rebuild after the disappointing AFCON outing.