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Gabon Lifts Ban on National Team Ahead of AFCON, World Cup

1/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

After the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon suspended its national team and senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga.
New Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany reversed a ban, citing urgency to prepare for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and 2026 World Cup playoffs.
The Gabonese Football Federation welcomed the decision and called for a coaching staff and organizational reforms.
The move aims to avert FIFA sanctions for government interference.

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Story summary

After the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon suspended its national team and senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga.
New Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany reversed a ban, citing urgency to prepare for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and 2026 World Cup playoffs.
The Gabonese Football Federation welcomed the decision and called for a coaching staff and organizational reforms.
The move aims to avert FIFA sanctions for government interference.