At 34, Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who returned to the selection last May, could definitively end his international career after the elimination of Gabon from CAN 2024. Especially after the criticism that has fallen on him in recent days after his support for the deposed president, Ali Bongo.
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He could have (re) donned the hero’s cape this Saturday, September 9 against Mauritania and become the captain who sends his country to CAN 2024. But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was unable to do anything against the Mourabitounes, especially after having saw his goalkeeper sent off five minutes after kick-off. THE Gabon therefore logically bowed in Nouakchott (2-1) and god goodbye to Can 2024 and probably to its captain and best player in recent years.
The annoying support
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returned to the selection last May, a year after announcing his international retirement. His return was due in large part to the intervention of the Gabonese president Ali Bongo, as recognized by the current Olympique de Marseille striker. “ I had the immense honor of being received by the President of the Republic of my country and at the same time being able to listen to the wise words that he passed on to me like a father speaking to his son. Following this, I therefore make myself available to my country and to coach Patrice Neveu.. »
A few weeks later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will show his support for President Ali Bongo in the presidential campaign, like his father, Pierre Aubame seen during Ali Bongo’s last meeting. But since the military coup of the general Brice Olingi which ended the reign of the Bongo family in Gabon, the criticism had become… On social networks, the Gabonese do not hesitate to attack the one who was considered an idol just a few weeks ago. Internet users threatened to report the Olympique de Marseille page if it continued to display the photo of the attacker with the Gabonese flag.
More than 14 years in selection
The defeat against Mauritania this Saturday will certainly not help raise PEA’s popularity and some do not hesitate to point out that Gabon was at the top of its group after the 4th day of the qualifiers… before the return of Aubameyang.
Today, at 34, the striker with 30 goals in 74 caps, could, definitively and officially, end his adventure with the Panthers and devote himself to his club. The end of a relationship that began in 2009 with a first selection and a first goal against Morocco. For more than 14 years, Gabon will have experienced with Aubamyang a first historic participation in the Olympic Games (2012) and five CANs in eight campaigns. A fine performance for this country of two million inhabitants. But fans certainly expected more from the 2015 African Player of the Year, winner of the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize in 2013, who shone with his goals for Saint-Etienne, Dortmund, Arsenal and Barcelona.
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