Gabon: Migné starts without Aubameyang and without local league players
In his first squad as head coach of the Panthers, Sébastien Migné has selected 24 players to face Morocco and Niger, with a group entirely made up of expatriates.
Sébastien Migné has selected 24 players for Gabon’s first two matches in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, on September 25 against Morocco and on September 29 against Niger in Franceville. In his first squad since his appointment, the French coach has chosen to proceed without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and without any players from the national league.
The group, however, includes several key players. Mario Lemina, Guélor Kanga, André Poko, and Ibrahim Ndong are part of the midfield, while Denis Bouanga, Jim Allevinah, and Shavy Babicka are among the seven forwards. Jean-Noël Amonome returns as one of the three goalkeepers.
Aubameyang, 37, announced on September 2 that he was stepping back from the national team following tensions that arose after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, Migné has not ruled out the possibility of the former captain’s return: at a press conference, he stated that he still counts on Aubameyang’s experience and hopes to see him back with the Panthers in November.
Another notable aspect is the complete absence of players from the Gabonese league. The Gabonese news agency highlights that all 24 called up play abroad. The squad includes three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and seven forwards.
Migné will begin with an away match in Rabat on September 25 against Morocco, before hosting Niger four days later in Franceville. These two matches will mark his first official outings since taking office in July.
In defense, brothers Anthony and Jérémy Oyono are included alongside Jacques Ekomie, Aaron Appindangoye, Philippe Ndinga, Alex Moucketou, Jonathan Do Marcolino, Brad Mantsounga, and Michel Mboula.
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