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Gabon Begins New Era Without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Sébastien Migné begins his tenure with the Panthers with a difficult trip to Morocco and without their longtime captain.
Sébastien Migné Begins Gabon Tenure Without Aubameyang
Gabon is entering a new chapter. Sébastien Migné will take charge of his first competitive matches as Panthers head coach when the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers get underway, and he will have to build his new project without one of the greatest players in the country's history: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The French coach has named a 24-man squad for the opening two fixtures, beginning with a demanding trip to face Morocco on September 25 before taking on Niger four days later. Experienced names including Denis Bouanga, Mario Lemina and Guélor Kanga are among those selected to launch the new cycle.
It will also be Gabon's first squad since Aubameyang's international retirement. The former captain called time on his Panthers career following AFCON 2025, leaving Migné with the challenge of reshaping an attack that had relied on the former Arsenal and Barcelona star for years.
Denis Bouanga Steps Into a Bigger Role
The departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inevitably creates an opportunity for other players to take on greater responsibility, and Denis Bouanga appears to be one of the leading candidates.
The forward is one of seven attacking players selected by Migné alongside Shavy Babicka, Jim Allevinah, Teddy Andami, Orphé Mbina, Jordi Ella and Junior Effaghe.
Finding a new attacking formula without Aubameyang will be one of the first major challenges facing the new head coach. That transition begins immediately — and against one of Africa's strongest opponents.
Mario Lemina Brings Experience to the Panthers
While Gabon is entering a period of transition, Migné has retained a significant core of experienced internationals to help guide the team through the process.
Mario Lemina headlines a midfield that also features Guélor Kanga, André Poko, Ibrahim Ndong and Henrick Do Marcolino, giving the new coach several players already accustomed to the demands of international soccer.
Migné has selected nine defenders, including brothers Anthony and Jérémy Oyono, as well as Jacques Ekomie and Aaron Appindangoye. Jean-Noël Amonome, Lucas Mouguenou and Junior Bekale are the three goalkeepers included in the squad.
Morocco Provides an Immediate Test for Gabon
Migné will have little time to settle into his new job. His first competitive match comes away against Morocco, one of Africa's leading national teams and a side also beginning a new chapter under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
After that difficult opener on September 25, Gabon will turn its attention to Niger on September 29 as the Panthers look to close their first qualifying window with valuable points.
The two matches should provide the first real indication of what Migné's Gabon will look like without Aubameyang. With established players such as Lemina, Kanga and Bouanga surrounded by several less experienced options, the Panthers begin their transition with one clear objective: securing a place at AFCON 2027.
Gabon Squad for the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Jean-Noël Amonome, Lucas Mouguenou, Junior Bekale.
Defenders: Anthony Oyono, Jérémy Oyono, Philippe Ndinga, Jacques Ekomie, Aaron Appindangoye, Alex Moucketou, Jonathan Do Marcolino, Brad Mantsounga, Michel Mboula.
Midfielders: Mario Lemina, Henrick Do Marcolino, Guélor Kanga, André Poko, Ibrahim Ndong.
Forwards: Teddy Andami, Denis Bouanga, Shavy Babicka, Orphé Mbina, Jim Allevinah, Jordi Ella, Junior Effaghe.
Key Takeaways
- Sébastien Migné will make his competitive debut as Gabon coach against Morocco on September 25.
- The Panthers begin a new era without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who retired from international soccer following AFCON 2025.
- Denis Bouanga and Mario Lemina are set to become two of the leading figures in Gabon's new cycle.
