Gabon’s participation in the CHAN 2025 qualifiers is in serious jeopardy, with the national A’ team unable to travel for their scheduled fixture against Gambia on Friday in Thiès, Senegal.
The local Panthers remain stranded in Libreville due to financial difficulties, raising concerns that they may be forced to forfeit the match.
Travel Plans Blocked by Financial Issues
According to sources close to the team, the Gabonese squad has yet to leave its base camp in Bikélé, despite being scheduled to depart for Senegal on Monday.
The delay is reportedly due to a financial shortfall, with the sports ministry’s partner—responsible for covering travel expenses—unable to pre-finance the trip.
As a result, the squad’s preparations have been thrown into uncertainty just days before the crucial qualifier.
Without an immediate resolution, Gabon faces the real prospect of missing the match, a scenario that could carry severe consequences for the country’s football.
Potential Four-Year Ban from CAF Competitions
A forfeit would not only result in immediate elimination from the CHAN 2025 qualifiers but could also lead to a significant punishment from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to CAF regulations, a team that withdraws from the CHAN qualifiers is subject to a four-year suspension from all continental competitions.
Such a ban would be a major setback for Gabonese football, affecting not only the national A’ team but also domestic clubs that participate in CAF tournaments.
The impact would extend to player development, as local footballers would lose valuable opportunities to showcase their talent on the continental stage.
With time running out, Gabonese football authorities will need to find a swift solution to avoid a costly setback that could hamper the country’s footballing ambitions for years to come.
