Gabon will begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign without captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the striker was ruled out of the opening Group C match against Cameroon due to injury.
The Gabon Football Federation confirmed that the Marseille forward picked up a problem during his club’s Ligue 1 encounter against Monaco and is currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of Marseille’s medical staff.
Aubameyang, 36, reported pain following the match and medical assessments have deemed him unfit for the tournament opener, dealing a significant blow to Gabon’s plans ahead of one of the group’s most anticipated fixtures.
His availability for the second group game against Mozambique remains uncertain, with officials stating that his condition will continue to be monitored as his recovery progresses.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker has enjoyed a solid season with Marseille, where he remains a key attacking figure. Aubameyang has featured prominently across Ligue 1 and European competition this season, contributing goals, assists and leadership as Marseille compete at the top end of French football.
At international level, Aubameyang is Gabon’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most influential players in the nation’s football history. He made his AFCON debut in 2010 in Angola and went on to feature in the 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2021 tournaments, often carrying Gabon’s attacking hopes almost single-handedly.
His most significant AFCON impact came on home soil in 2012, where he played a central role as Gabon reached the quarter-finals, scoring and creating key chances as the Panthers emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages. He was also instrumental at the 2015 finals in Equatorial Guinea, where Gabon again reached the last eight, finishing as one of their standout performers.
Across his AFCON appearances, Aubameyang has been Gabon’s focal point in attack, combining pace, movement and clinical finishing, while also drawing defensive attention that allowed teammates space to operate. His leadership has been especially vital in recent tournaments as Gabon transitioned through generations.
His absence against Cameroon removes Gabon’s most experienced big-game player and forces the technical staff to adjust their attacking approach at the very start of the tournament.
Gabon will hope their captain recovers in time to feature later in the competition, with officials insisting no risks will be taken as they look to maximise the influence of their talisman in what could be his final Africa Cup of Nations.
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