Gabon suspend former Sunderland and Bordeaux duo ahead of Harambee Stars clash

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FOOTBALL Gabon suspend former Sunderland and Bordeaux duo ahead of Harambee Stars clash

Festus Chuma 17:45 - 14.11.2023

Gabon Football Federation expels two key players ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.

Gabon Football Federation (FEGOFOOT ) has taken a strict stance on discipline, suspending two of their national team players just days before the opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya set for Thursday.

FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza, who plies his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS), and midfielder Didier Ibrahim Ndong, who features for Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League, have been withdrawn from the national team camp after failing to report on time.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that the duo failed to report to camp on the scheduled day, Thursday, November 9, and were still absent the following day, despite having domestic flight tickets in their possession.

"The two international players who were expected to arrive in Libreville since Friday, November 10, 2023, to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers never reached the venue, despite having domestic flight tickets in their possession," reads the statement as translated from French.

As a consequence of their actions, just two days before the pivotal match against Kenya, the technical staff decided to take a firm stance on discipline and respect for the entire team present in Bongoville.

"This approach is aimed at prioritizing the national team as an institution, placing it above any personal considerations," the report adds.

The Gabonese football governing body further emphasizes the commitment to instill patriotism, respect for the team, and a dedication to defending the values of the republic with dignity in all future selections.

"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," the statement concluded.

Last week, Gabon had named a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a squad that notably omitted Olympic Marseille forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

With the expulsion of Boupendza and Ndong, Gabon will now face additional challenges in their quest to secure victory against Kenya and advance in the World Cup qualifiers. 

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