Why is Aubameyang Missing Gabon’s AFCON Opener?

The highly anticipated 2025 Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is just a few days away from its commencement, as 24 of the best African nations are preparing to battle for the highly coveted title in Morocco. Ranked 78th in FIFA World Rankings, the Gabon national football team is dubbed as one of the dark horses of the tournament and has been placed in Group F.

Drawn alongside heavyweights Cameroon, defending champions Ivory Coast and Mozambique, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be carrying the hopes of his country to lead them to the knockouts. However, only weeks before their opener against Cameroon, Gabon's talisman, Aubameyang injury has cast doubts over his involvement in Les Panthères' 2025 AFCON preparations.

What happened to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of AFCON?

The former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Gabon's record goalscorer, has suffered a major blow ahead of their first group stage clash against the Cameroon national football team in Adagir on December 24th. The 36-year-old, who returned to Europe in the summer, rejoined Ligue 1 giants Marseille. He has been in sensational form for his club, racking up 18 goal contributions in 20 appearances in all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign.

Aubameyang has bagged 8 goals and 10 assists for his French club. During his last appearance for Les Phocéens, the Marseille striker sustained an injury in his left thigh against AS Monaco. The forward was diagnosed afterwards and was barred from joining the Gabon national team camp. He will remain in France for further assessment and the rehabilitation process, ruling out his possibility of playing against Cameroon.

Gabon and Olympique Marseille together issued a joint statement that read: “Following consultation, it was decided the player would undergo his treatment in Marseille. He is officially unavailable for the match against Cameroon. His potential participation in the second group match against Mozambique on December 28th will be subject to ongoing clinical and imaging assessments."

How can Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang injury Impact Cameroon vs Gabon?

A few days ago, the Gabon AFCON squad was announced by their head coach, with 28 men shortlisted to a part of their AFCON campaign. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is their captain and the highest goal getter in history; the ex-Dortmund striker is undoubtedly the most important figure for the Panthers. Alongside Pierre-Emerick, LAFC star Denis Bounanga and breakout attacking sensation Royce Openda from Bordeaux will be bolstering the Gabon squad.

In fact, the Central African nation hasn't advanced to the knockout stages since 2012. This time, they have to face the strong favourites to progress through, even though they have a fairly talented squad to push forward. Aubameyang injury AFCON comes a a significant blow; if the lethal finisher won't be on the pitch.

Moreover, he has been enjoying a remarkable 2025-25 club campaign with his prolific scoring rate. Gabon will regret the absence of their skipper and the most experienced name in the opener.