The search for a new Gabon national team coach has taken an unexpected turn as 430 applications poured in from Africa and beyond, leaving the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) overwhelmed.
The role opened up after the dismissal of Thierry Mouyouma, a former national team defender, following Gabon’s disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where they failed to win a single match in Group F.
Gabon struggled at the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where they failed to win a single game in Group F, losing 1-0 to Cameroon, 3-2 at the hands of Mozambique and Ivory Coast (3-2).
Such a poor run of results prompted the Government of Gabon to suspend the national team’s striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang alongside captain alongside captain Bruno Ecuélé Manga while dissolving the coaching panel.
Although the duo’s suspension was lifted, Mouyouma did not get a second chance.
In a statement, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) confirmed that many coaches, including from Europe, have shown interest in stepping into the shoes of Thierry Mouyouma. The former national team defender for the West African national team lost his job after an underwhelming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
“Coach selection committee report established by FEGAFOOT, in the interest of transparency and in accordance with the announced timeline, reports that 430 applications have been reviewed to date,” read the statement.
Given the sheer number of applications, the committee requested an extension of their mandate from February 10 to February 28, 2026 to properly review all candidates. The interview phase will follow, with a shortlist of three candidates presented to the Executive Committee, who will make the final appointment.
