Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will once again carry Gabon’s hopes at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after coach Thierry Mouyouma named a refreshed but ambitious 28-man squad for the tournament in Morocco.
The Panthers, drawn into one of the competition’s toughest groups alongside Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Mozambique, open their campaign on 24 December in Agadir.
Mouyouma’s list, announced on Monday, marks a return to the continental spotlight for several big names, including the 36-year-old Aubameyang, who arrives in Morocco on the back of eight goals and nine assists this season for Olympique Marseille.
His inclusion had been expected but still energises a fanbase hoping for a deep run after missing the 2023 edition.
Alongside the former Arsenal striker, Gabon retain the experienced core that has served them through qualifying: Denis Bouanga of LAFC, veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, midfield general Mario Lemina and full-back Jacques Ekomié.
All feature prominently as Mouyouma looks to blend continuity with targeted changes.
But the squad also brings notable surprises.
Malick Evouna – capped 32 times but missing from national duty since 2019 – returns after earning his recall through strong domestic form with Mangasport.
The 32-year-old was long considered out of the picture, yet Mouyouma has revived his international career as a potential game-changer off the bench.
Equally significant is the faith shown in Bordeaux winger Royce Openda, who made his international debut last month. The 23-year-old, a graduate of Gabon’s youth system, is seen as one of the most promising attacking profiles of his generation.
He retains his place ahead of other emerging forwards, including Yannis Mbemba – whose omission has sparked debate among supporters after recent high-level performances.
Mouyouma has also welcomed back Jim Allevinah and Shavy Babicka, both recovering from injury at the right moment to rejoin the squad.
Defensively, the coach again turns to experience, with Ecuele Manga anchoring a back line that will be tested heavily by Group F’s heavyweights.
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Gabon’s AFCON mission begins with a high-stakes showdown against Cameroon on 24 December, followed by Mozambique on 28 December and regional giants Cote d’Ivoire – the defending champions – on 31 December. All matches will be staged in Agadir.
The Panthers have not gone beyond the quarter-finals since 2012, but Mouyouma insists the squad reflects a clear ambition to compete: a blend of seasoned internationals, long-awaited comebacks and bold young selections.
With Aubameyang as captain, the squad believes it can challenge expectations.
Gabon’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
- Mbaba Loyce Marius
- Ngoubi Demba Anse
- Bekale Junior
Defenders
- Oyono Antony
- Oyono Jérémy
- Obiang Johann
- Ekomie Jacques
- Appindangoye A.
- Ecuele Manga Bruno
- Moucketou Alex
- Kila Onfia Mick
- Do Marcolino Jonathan
- Mboula Uriel-Michel
Midfielders
- Mario Lemina
- Nze Samake
- Kanga Guelor
- Bocoum Eric
- Poko B. André
- Loufilou Ruben
- Ndong Ibrahim
Forwards
- Shavy Babicka
- Avelrant Teddy
- Denis Bouanga
- Essang-Matou Edlin
- Malick Evouna
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Royce Openda
- Jim Allevinah
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
