After Aubameyang controversy, Gabon focus on Mozambique AFCON test

After being at the center of a “club vs. country” dispute a couple days ago, the Gabon national team and star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will need all their focus to be on Sunday’s opponents Mozambique in a quick turnaround at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Aubameyang bien présent à l’entraînement des Panthères du Gabon🇬🇦 ce samedi, veille de match contre les Mambas de Mozambique🇲🇿 pic.twitter.com/Bxpdn3MoKe

— Stadium (@Stadium_ga) December 27, 2025

A 0-1 defeat against Cameroon was an underwhelming way to kick off their campaign in Group F, but Panthers coach Thierry Mouyouma’s substitutions drew all the attention. Many signs pointed to limited availability for Aubameyang, which left observers surprised when the Olympique Marseille player came on alongside Mario Lemina soon after the half hour mark.

All reports indicate that club Marseille was not amused at all by Mouyouma’s decision after the veteran missed training sessions due to a muscle injury. Mouyouma responded in defense of his actions as quoted by Ouest-France:

“We are competing in the Africa Cup of Nations, not a fitness camp. The player was tested, examined, and declared fit by our medical staff and the CAF medical committee. During international breaks, players belong to their countries. I simply ask for respect for our work, our decisions, and our ambition.”

It appears that Aubameyang will be fully available for Gabon in a crucial match against Mozambique to begin Sunday’s AFCON action. The Panthers have some positives to take into the match, with strong performances from the center of defense and the midfield after a poor start. However, goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba was beat inside six minutes for the only goal of the match.

The issues were with the attack against Cameroon, due to a limited Aubameyang and an ineffective performance from Denis Bouanga. In a team that depends heavily on its veterans, Mouyouma will have to choose between younger options Teddy Averlant and Royce Openda or nominate experienced Jim Allevinah to join the two star forwards in the attack.

Defending champions Ivory Coast await in the final Group F match on Wednesday, making it essential to achieve victory against Mozambique. Against star defender Reinildo Mandava and the Mambas, the Panthers attack will have to be at its sharpest in an important match for both sides.

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