Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tested positive for COVID-19. This happened days before AFCON 2021, held in 2022. The striker hopes others will carry the nation’s expectations. Teammate Mario Lemina and assistant coach Yala Anicet also tested positive.
Dubai Party Video Emerges
A video showed the Gabonese squad partying in Dubai. This was during AFCON preparations. Aubameyang appeared in the clip. The team stopped in Dubai en route to Cameroon. The party raised concerns about protocol breaches.
Impact on Gabon’s AFCON Campaign
Gabon faces Comoros in their opener without Aubameyang. The team isolates after lateral flow tests. PCR results are pending. Aubameyang joined early due to Arsenal issues. He aims to regain form for the World Cup.
Coach Neveu’s Statement
Coach Patrice Neveu confirmed the positives to AFP. “They underwent a PCR test and are isolating,” he said. The positives came after arriving in Cameroon. Neveu hopes for quick recovery to boost the squad.
Gabon’s AFCON History
Gabon’s best AFCON finishes are quarter-finals in 1996 and 2012. They co-hosted in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea. The team seeks to improve. Aubameyang’s absence challenges their campaign.
