AFCON 2025: Marseille concerned after Aubameyang features against Cameroon

The opening round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations witnessed a controversial moment during Gabon’s clash against Cameroon, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the Indomitable Lions, following the unexpected participation of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 36-year-old Olympique Marseille striker was initially ruled out of Gabon’s opening fixture due to a thigh injury, with his club keen to protect the player, especially after his impressive form this season, scoring eight goals and providing ten assists in 20 appearances.

Marseille had officially announced that Aubameyang would remain in France to continue his treatment in coordination with Gabon’s medical staff, confirming that he would not be available for the match against Cameroon on December 24.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Aubameyang was introduced as a substitute in the 33rd minute and went on to play more than an hour, raising the risk of aggravating his injury before completing his rehabilitation program.

According to reports from RMC Sport, the decision to field Aubameyang in Gabon’s opening match was not well received by Marseille officials, who felt that the national team’s coaching staff had taken an unnecessary risk with the health of their key attacker.

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