Gabon Football Federation (FEGOFOOT) confirmed that FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza and midfielder Didier Ibrahim Ndong of Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League will not be part of the squad to face Kenya’s Harambee Stars on Thursday.
According to a statement from the federation, the two players failed to report to camp on time prompting the decision to withdraw them from the squad. “The two international players who were expected to arrive in Libreville since Friday, November 10, to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers never reached the venue, despite having domestic flight tickets in their possession,” read part of the statement from Gabon FA.
The statement continued: “This approach is aimed at prioritising the national team as an institution, placing it above any personal considerations and henceforth, only Gabonese individuals, who demonstrate patriotism, respect for the team, and a commitment to defending the values of the republic with dignity will be selected to represent the national team.”
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The expulsion of the duo comes at a time when Gabon named their squad minus former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who currently features for French Ligue 1 outfit Olympic Marseille. Some of the key players in their squad include Mbaba Loyce, Ngoubi Anse, Appindangoye Aaron, Ecuele Manga, Mario Lemina, and Guelor Kanga,
The opening Group F fixture against Harambee Stars will be played at the Stade de la Rénovation in Franceville.