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Africa Cup of Nations FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images Gabon’s government has lifted its suspension of the national football team after its disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) has said. Earlier this month, the Gabonese government released a statement, read aloud on national television, to say the national team had been suspended after a “disgraceful” performance at AFCON. The statement name-checked Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and international captain Bruno Ecuele Manga as being banned from selection. Advertisement FEGAFOOT said in a statement on Monday that the government measures on the team had been “lifted”, with Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga no longer excluded. Gabon’s new sports minister Paul Ulrich Kessany, who was appointed in a cabinet reshuffle after the previous team ban, told FEFAFOOT of the “urgency of upcoming events, particularly the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers”. Furthermore, Kessany instructed FEGAFOOT “to take the necessary steps to present him with all the practical details for selecting a new coaching staff”. Gabon finished bottom of Group F with one-goal defeats to Cameroon, Mozambique and Ivory Coast. Former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea striker Aubameyang is Gabon’s all-time leading goalscorer (41) while 37-year-old defender Ecuele Manga is their most-capped player (118 matches). Ecuele Manga started their first two games at AFCON but was dropped against Ivory Coast. Aubameyang scored in their 3-2 defeat to Mozambique but was left out of their squad for Ivory Coast due to injury. Gabon will not compete at this summer’s World Cup after losing a one-legged play-off semi-final to Nigeria in November, who themselves went on to lose to DR Congo. Thierry Mouyouma’s side won eight of their 10 group qualification matches but finished a point behind group leader Ivory Coast, and the head coach and his staff were removed following the government’s statement. FEGAFOOT said they had been instructed by the sports ministry “to take the necessary steps to present for selecting a new coaching staff”. Colin Millar is a Staff Writer for The Athletic. Prior to joining The Athletic, Colin was European Football writer at Mirror Football. From Belfast, he is the author of The Frying Pan of Spain: Sevilla vs Real Betis, Spain’s Hottest Football Rivalry, and he can be found on Twitter/X: @Millar_Colin Follow Colin on Twitter @Millar_Colin