Gabon Coach Jorge Costa Announces 23-Player Squad for 2017 AFCON Qualifiers
Gabon coach Jorge Costa has unveiled his 23-player squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Although Gabon is automatically qualified as the host country for the tournament, the team will still face Sudan in the second matchday and Zambia in a friendly.
In a notable move, Denis Bouanga, who initially retracted his decision to represent Gabon, has been included in the squad. Similarly, Mario Lemina, who has firmly chosen to play for the Panthers, has also been called up.
Here is the full squad for the 2017 AFCON qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
Didier Ovono (KV Oostende, Belgium)
Anthony Mfa Mezui (RFC Seraing, Belgium)
Stéphane Bitséki Moto (CF Mounana)
Defenders:
Bruno Ecuélé Manga (Cardiff City, Wales)
Henri Junior Ndong (AJ Auxerre, France)
Junior Randal Oto’o Zué (CD Tondela, Portugal)
Lloyd Palun (Red Star FC, France)
Johan Serge Obiang (Berrichonne Chateauroux, France)
Aaron Appindangoye (Evian TG FC, France)
Benjamin Zé Ondo (MC Oujda, Morocco)
Yrondu Musavu King (Granada CF, Spain)
Midfielders:
Mario Lemina (Olympique de Marseille, France)
Denis Bouanga (FC Lorient, France)
Frédéric Bulot (Stade de Reims, France)
Merlin Tandjigora (Free agent)
Samson Mbingui (NA Hussein Dey, Algeria)
Kanga Kaku Guélor (FK Rostov, Russia)
Levy Madinda (RC Celta Vigo, Spain)
André Biyogo Poko (Girondins de Bordeaux, France)
Forwards:
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)
Malick Evouna (Al Ahly SC, Egypt)
Johan Lengoualama (RS Berkane, Morocco)
Romaric Ntsitsigui (AS Mangasport)
Waiting List:
Franck Engongah
Alexander Ndoumbou
Gilles Mbang Ondo
Romaric Fred Rogombe
Costa’s squad features a mix of seasoned international players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina, alongside up-and-coming talents like Denis Bouanga. As hosts of the tournament, Gabon will be aiming to prove themselves on home soil, starting with their upcoming qualifiers and preparations for the 2017 AFCON.
