Premier League Star Banned at AFCON After Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane Clashed

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker currently starring in the Premier League, has been sensationally banned from Gabon's national team following a dismal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign. The decision came amid heightened tensions, exacerbated by a heated on-pitch clash between Liverpool icons Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané during Egypt's group stage match against Senegal.

Gabon's Panthers crashed out of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, finishing bottom of their group after defeats to Cameroon, Mozambique, and a dramatic 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast on December 31. Despite taking a two-goal lead in their final game, they collapsed, sealing their elimination. Aubameyang, 36, missed the decisive fixture due to a thigh injury that sent him back to his club, Marseille, for treatment—though by then, Gabon was already out.[1]

Gabon's Sports Minister, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, announced sweeping measures, including dissolving the coaching staff led by Thierry Mouyouma, suspending the national team indefinitely, and excluding key players like Aubameyang and defender Bruno Ecuele Manga. "The Panthers’ disgraceful performance is unacceptable," Mamboula declared, pointing to government intervention.[1]

The ban has reignited debates over Aubameyang's commitment. His international career has been turbulent: a talismanic captain yet criticized for availability issues. At the 2021 AFCON, COVID-19 and heart lesions sidelined him early, sparking fitness concerns. Aubameyang hit back publicly: "The team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am."[1]

The Salah-Mané clash added fuel to the fire. In a fiery Egypt-Senegal encounter, the ex-Liverpool stars exchanged words and shoves, symbolizing AFCON's intensity. While unrelated directly, it underscored the tournament's drama as Gabon's woes unfolded. Sources confirm Aubameyang's Premier League form remains strong, but his international future looks bleak.[2][3]

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