Gabon's national football team squad, coach, world rankings, AFCON, nickname

Gabon's national football team, popularly known as the Panthers, failed to qualify for the 2019 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations but eventually made it in 2021. The Central African nation has overcome several hurdles over the years before raising its status in the continent. This article looks at the team's profile, achievements, and much more.

Led by their captain and Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Panthers have proved they have what it takes to compete for the best in Africa. So, what is Gabon's national football team ranking?

Profile summary

• Full name: Gabon national football team
• Nickname: Les Panthères (The Panthers)
• Association: Fédération Gabonaise de Football
• Confederation: CAF
• Head coach: Pierre Francois Aubameyang and Daniel Cousin
• Captain: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
• Stadium: Stade Omar Bongo
• FIFA code: GAB
• Current FIFA ranking: 62 (as of December 2021)
• Highest FIFA ranking: 30 (July 2009)
• Lowest FIFA ranking: 125 (April 2005)
• Gabon's national football team Instagram: @fegafoot
• Gabon's national football team Twitter: @fegafoot_gabon

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When was football introduced in Gabon?

Soccer was introduced in the Central African country in 1897. However, the Gabonese Football Federation was established in 1962. The country's football continued to develop while they participated in various competitions. In 1985, they outshined Congo 3-0 in the UDEAC Cup to lift their first title in history.

Gabon's national football team nickname

The team was initially referred to as the National Azingo, but in 2000, their federation decided to change to the Panthers. The country even unveiled a black panther as the official mascot of the 2017 Afcon tournament to symbolize its commitment to environmental protection.

Gabon's national football team captain, Aubameyang, is also known for using black panther masks to celebrate his goals.

Has Gabon ever made the world cup?

The Panthers have never qualified for the world cup despite playing several qualifiers. However, they have played in seven Africa Cup of Nations (1994, 1996, 2000, 2010, 2012, 2017, 2021). The best Gabon's national football team's Afcon performance came in 1996 and 2012 when they reached the quarters.

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The Panthers, who co-hosted the 2012 Afcon alongside Equatorial Guinea, started well by winning all three games in Group C comprising Tunisia, Morocco, and Niger. However, they lost to Mali in the quarters. In 2017, their campaign ended with a disappointing exit in the group stage.

Gabon's national football team players

The Panthers have produced some of the finest talents in Africa and Europe. Here is a list of their 30-man squad assembled ahead of their 2021 Afcon campaign.

Goalkeepers

• Anthony Mfa Mezui
• Junior Fotso
• Jean-Noel Amonome
• Donald Nze

Defenders

• Alex Moucketou-Moussounda
• Lloyd Palun
• Sidney Obissa
• David Sambissa
• Johann Obiang
• Bruno Ecuele Manga
• Yannis N'Gakoutou
• Gilchrist Nguema
• Anthony Oyono
• Junior Assoumou

Midfielders

• Mario Lemina
• Louis Autchanga
• Andre Biyogo
• Serge-Junior Ngouali
• Medwin Biteghe
• Guelor Kanga

Strikers

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
• Denis Bouanga
• Ulrick Eneme-Ella
• Kevin Mayi
• Axel Meye
• Aaron Boupendza
• Fahd Ndzengue
• Jim Allevinah

Gabon's national football team coach

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In August 2019, the Gabonese football federation appointed Frenchman Patrice Neveu as head coach of the men's team. Neves replaced Daniel Cousin, who failed to qualify the Panthers to the 2019 Afcon competition.

Who is Gabon's all-time goalscorer?

Aubameyang is currently the leading scorer with 30 goals from 72 appearances. He debuted with the senior team in a 2-1 victory over Morocco on 28 March 2009. The Arsenal striker is also the highest-paid African player in the English Premier League.

Gabon's national football team jersey

The Panthers wear traditional yellow jerseys for their home matches and white shirts for away games. Their third jersey is green with a diagonal graphic in the flag's colors placed on the lower part of the front.

With most of their key players growing old, some fans probably doubt if Gabon's national football team will ever play in a world cup. However, perhaps the emerging young talents will continue the legacy and fulfil the dream.

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