The Gabon national soccer team, known as "Les Panthères" (The Panthers), represents Gabon in international football and is governed by the Gabonese Football Federation. The team has been a member of FIFA since 1966 and of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since 1967.

History and Major Successes

• 1994 African Cup of Nations: Gabon made its first appearance in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1994. Although they did not advance beyond the group stage, it marked their introduction to the continental competition.
• 2012 African Cup of Nations: Gabon hosted the AFCON in 2012 alongside Equatorial Guinea. The team performed impressively, reaching the quarter-finals, which remains one of their best performances in the tournament.
• 2017 African Cup of Nations: Gabon once again hosted the tournament. Despite the home advantage, they were eliminated in the group stage.

Notable Players

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Perhaps the most famous Gabonese player, Aubameyang has been a key figure for the national team. Known for his speed and finishing skills, he has played for top European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
• Daniel Cousin: A former captain of the national team, Cousin had a significant impact during his playing days. He played for clubs like Rangers FC and Hull City.
• Didier Ovono: A reliable goalkeeper, Ovono has been a longstanding servant of the national team, earning numerous caps and providing leadership at the back.

Notable Coaches

• Alain Giresse: The former French international managed Gabon from 2006 to 2010 and helped the team qualify for the 2010 AFCON, bringing a higher level of tactical discipline to the squad.
• Jorge Costa: The Portuguese coach led the team from 2014 to 2016, guiding them through the qualification phases and preparing them for the tournaments they hosted.

Overall, the Gabon national team has been a competitive force in African football, with its players gaining recognition both on the continent and internationally. The team continues to develop, aiming to achieve greater success in future competitions.