Gabon Seeks New Football Coach After AFCON Disappointment
The search for a new head coach is nearing its end for Gabon’s national football team. Following the departure of Thierry Mouyouma, who oversaw three defeats in as many games at the recent African Cup of Nations, the Gabon Football Federation (Fégafoot) is poised to appoint a new leader.
A Trio of Finalists Emerge
More than 600 applications were received, but the special commission tasked with finding a replacement has narrowed the field to three finalists: Anthony da Silva, Landry Chauvin, and Luis Boa Morte. The selection process, however, has not been without its intrigue, with some initial candidates unexpectedly removed from consideration.
Meet the Candidates
- Anthony da Silva: The 45-year-traditional Franco-Portuguese coach served as an assistant to Toni Conceiçao with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions from 2019 to 2022, earning a bronze medal at the AFCON held in Cameroon.
- Landry Chauvin: A 57-year-old Frenchman with experience managing clubs like Nantes, Sedan, and Brest, Chauvin also has African coaching experience with African Club in Tunisia and as an assistant to Vahid Halilhodzic with the Morocco national team.
- Luis Boa Morte: The 48-year-old Portuguese is a surprise inclusion, despite his experience being deemed
out of step with the sporting project
. Boa Morte previously managed Guinea-Bissau in 2024-2025 and brings a wealth of experience from European football, having played for Arsenal and Fulham.
The decision to move forward with these three candidates, particularly Boa Morte, has sparked debate. The commission will necessitate to justify its choices.
Rebuilding the Panthers
The new coach faces a significant challenge: rebuilding a team that struggled at the AFCON and restoring a sense of national pride in Gabonese football. The incoming manager will be tasked with not only improving results but also establishing a clear identity for the national team.
“The replacement of names like Bogaert or Bompard by that of Boa Morte is already fueling discussions in the streets of Libreville. Why such a change of course at the eleventh hour? The answer belongs to the special commission which will have to justify its choice tomorrow.”
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Looking Ahead
The next competitive assignment for the new coach will be the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The stakes are high as Gabon looks to return to the continental stage and compete for glory.
FAQ
- Who are the three finalists for the Gabon coaching position? Anthony da Silva, Landry Chauvin, and Luis Boa Morte.
- Who was the previous coach of Gabon? Thierry Mouyouma.
- What is the next major competition for Gabon? The 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for further updates on this developing story.