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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored once at Afcon 2025 but Gabon lost all three group games against Cameroon, Mozambique and Ivory Coast Gabon's government has lifted the sanctions it imposed on the national team and Panthers striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after their exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The side's performance during the finals in Morocco, where they finished bottom of Group F, was branded as "disgraceful" by then-Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula. Mamboula announced the suspension of the team, the sacking of coach Thierry Mouyouma and the exclusion of former Arsenal and Chelsea man Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga from the Panthers set-up on 1 January. However, Gabon's new sports minister Paul Ulrich Kessany lifted the measures, which could have led to the suspension of the country's federation (Fegafoot) by Fifa, on Monday. The world governing body has taken a hard stance against government interference in the running of football associations in recent years. A Fegafoot statement said Kessany had mentioned upcoming deadlines, including the qualifying draw for the 2027 Afcon, in a letter to the organisation. "Fegafoot welcomes the positive outcome of the situation, " the statement said. It also added that Kessany had invited Fegafoot to present him "with all the practical details for the selection of a new technical staff" to replace Mouyouma. EFL Cup: Build-up as Newcastle host Man City in semi-final first leg Carrick to bring in Holland as Man Utd assistant Why Alonso's reign is over at Real Madrid Father Brown has new mysteries to solve in the Cotswolds Is it fine to use weight-loss injections long-term? Philosophy teacher Dan faces prison to escape his past How two Nottingham lads end up on opposite sides of the war in Ukraine Is Carrick the right man for Man Utd? Why Alonso's reign is over at Real Madrid VAR errors increase: Each of the 13 mistakes so far this season 'I'd take him back in a heartbeat' - which players return to haunt their former clubs? Are fans being turned off multi-club ownership model? 'They were in their kits behind the bar pouring their own pints' Which players could England turn to for 2027 Ashes? Non-league Macclesfield stun FA Cup holders Crystal Palace. Video Non-league Macclesfield stun FA Cup holders Crystal Palace Brosnan, Prince Naseem and the embrace that never happened Why Man City have signed 'extraordinary' Semenyo 'Whoever signed off England's tour has to go' - Agnew column A warrior touched by tragedy - Terry Yorath obituary From Aronimink to Zalatoris - an A-Z of golf in 2026 Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.