AFCON 2025: Aubameyang ruled out of Gabon’s opening clash with Cameroon due to injury

Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be unavailable for his country’s opening group match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Cameroon after picking up an injury.

The Olympique Marseille forward is currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of his club’s medical team after experiencing pain during Marseille’s recent match against Monaco. As a result, he has been ruled out of Gabon’s first fixture at the tournament.

Aubameyang’s condition will continue to be monitored, with a decision on his availability for the second group game against Mozambique expected to be made as his recovery progresses.

As previously reported by Africasoccer, the experienced striker was included in Gabon’s squad for the 2025 AFCON. He has been a key figure for the Panthers in recent months, playing a starring role during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and maintaining impressive form since returning to Marseille.

While his absence will be a major blow for Gabon in the opening encounter against Cameroon, hopes remain that Aubameyang can return in time for the remaining group matches, which could prove decisive in the team’s bid to reach the knockout stage.