Gabon

Gabon is a Central African nation whose football team, nicknamed 'Les Panthères' (The Panthers), recently experienced a tumultuous period following their early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Gabonese football association had imposed measures on the national team and suspended key players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga. However, these suspensions have now been lifted, and Aubameyang and Manga are back in the team. The football association is currently searching for a new head coach. Gabon's recent AFCON 2025 campaign saw them defeated by Mozambique 3-2, marking Mozambique's first-ever victory in the tournament. While Gabon did not advance, AFCON 2025 continues in Morocco with the quarterfinal stage approaching, featuring teams like defending champions Ivory Coast. Gabon's current relevance lies in its efforts to rebuild its national team after a disappointing AFCON performance and the ongoing search for leadership to guide the team forward.