Gabon squad ‘more open than ever’ as Sebastien Migne begins new era

Gabon are entering a new phase under head coach Sebastien Migne, with Africa Cup of Nations qualification, squad renewal and the integration of young players among the priorities.

The Pantheres will face Morocco and Niger in the qualifying campaign, while the coach has been assessing players in form rather than making a complete overhaul or simply continuing with the previous group.

Michel Tadoun, an adviser to the Gabon national team who also works to identify and support young players, said Migne had been given little time to prepare before the qualifiers began.

“He did not have the time to organise a proper training camp and fine-tune everything,” Tadoun told Africafoot. “But he is a hard worker with a great deal of experience. He has already produced some strong performances, particularly against Morocco.”

Migne has also travelled to France and Cyprus while working on the development of local amateur football. Tadoun said practical structures were being introduced, although the early schedule had limited the coach’s preparation time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains welcome

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was not selected for the latest international window, but Tadoun said the striker’s return had been sought and that the government was working to make it possible. Aubameyang has also been in good form despite approaching the end of his career, he added.

“It was not how we had imagined things for a star of his stature,” said Tadoun. “The doors are open now. The decision is entirely his: whether he wants to return at this moment and what state of mind he is in.”

Tadoun said Gabon’s wider plan was to combine established players, including Mario Lemina, with emerging talent. The U23 side will soon begin its own Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in November.

“The national team is more open than ever,” he said. “Whether they are dual nationals or not, the aim is to have very good players with strong potential. The doors are open to all Gabonese people, wherever they are in the world.”

He also highlighted the growing appeal of the Cypriot league, where four clubs regularly compete for leading positions in European qualifying despite more limited budgets. Tadoun said the competition offered young players valuable exposure and cited Shavy Babicka, Semedo, Francois Mughe at AEL and Rody Junior Effaghe at Aris Limassol.

Tad Sport Academy has supplied three players to the Cameroon national team. Tadoun called that achievement significant for a club with about 10 years of existence and a modest budget, while appealing for greater support for amateur academies.

He identified three prospects: 2010-born central defender Hadou Tchuikoua Lois, who stands 1m90 and has attracted interest from clubs including Standard de Liege; 15-year-old central defender Hendrick Dester Douanla, who is in Cameroon’s U15 squad preparing for the World Cup in Azerbaijan from 22 October; and 2009-born left-back Chia Ngum Derick, who can also play as a wing-back or central defender.