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Gabon Football Federation expels two key players ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.
Gabon Football Federation (FEGOFOOT ) has taken a strict stance on discipline, suspending two of their national team players just days before the opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya set for Thursday.
FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza, who plies his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS), and midfielder Didier Ibrahim Ndong, who features for Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League, have been withdrawn from the national team camp after failing to report on time.
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17:26 - 07.11.2023
FOOTBALL Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left out as Gabon name squad to face Harambee Stars
Gabon have excluded star striker Aubameyang from World Cup qualifier squad.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that the duo failed to report to camp on the scheduled day, Thursday, November 9, and were still absent the following day, despite having domestic flight tickets in their possession.
"The two international players who were expected to arrive in Libreville since Friday, November 10, 2023, to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers never reached the venue, despite having domestic flight tickets in their possession," reads the statement as translated from French.
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05:45 - 14.11.2023
Harambee Stars: With a decimated defence, who could Firat turn to against Gabon & Seychelles?
Pulse Sports looks at the options available to Harambee Stars coach Egin Firat following the unavailability of three first-choice defenders ahead of Gabon and Seychelles matches
As a consequence of their actions, just two days before the pivotal match against Kenya, the technical staff decided to take a firm stance on discipline and respect for the entire team present in Bongoville.
"This approach is aimed at prioritizing the national team as an institution, placing it above any personal considerations," the report adds.
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19:24 - 12.11.2023
FKFPL Matasi bullish after receiving Harambee Stars call-up ahead of crunch World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi remains confident after receiving a call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for the crunch FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and Gabon.
The Gabonese football governing body further emphasizes the commitment to instill patriotism, respect for the team, and a dedication to defending the values of the republic with dignity in all future selections.
"Henceforth, only Gabonese individuals who demonstrate patriotism, respect for the team, and a commitment to defending the values of the republic with dignity will be selected to represent the national team," the statement concluded.
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18:40 - 03.11.2023
FOOTBALL Gabon face selection headache as two key players suspended ahead of Harambee Stars clash
Gabon's coach faces challenges as two key players are suspended for the World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Burundi.
Last week, Gabon had named a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a squad that notably omitted Olympic Marseille forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
With the expulsion of Boupendza and Ndong, Gabon will now face additional challenges in their quest to secure victory against Kenya and advance in the World Cup qualifiers.
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