• Thierry Mouyouma approaches the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 with confidence and ambition.
• He has confidence in his Gabonese support staff and a strong national identity.
• Gabon is in Group E with Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique.

Appointed head coach in October 2023, Thierry Mouyouma quickly has already made his mark with the Panthers.

Having been the national team captain in the early 2000s, he understands the weight of the jersey and the demands of major African competitions, having participated in the 2000 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Ghana and in Nigeria.

This experience, combined with his  knowledge of Gabonese football, allows him to build a solid and ambitious squad.

Results have followed: Gabon qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, and holds a playoff spot for the 2026 World Cup, proving that his methods are effective.

Mouyouma aims to reach a historic milestone: surpass the quarterfinals, achieved only in 1996 and 2012. But his project goes beyond sports. He wants this team to be a symbol of national unity, capable of bringing Gabonese people together around a common goal.

Between the experience of veterans like Aubameyang, Bouanga, and Bruno Ecuele Manga, and the energy of young talents, Mouyouma focuses on perfect balance. His philosophy is clear: discipline, solidarity, and national pride.

In this exclusive sit down with CAFOnline, Mouyouma shares his views on the tournament, what it means for Gabon and the importance of striking a fine balance between the experienced campaigners and carefully blending it with youth.

CAFOnline.com: Coach, what mindset are you approaching the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 with?

Thierry Mouyouma: We are in a very good mental and physical state. Our players are competing with their clubs, and if the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations started today, I believe we would be emotionally ready. We still need to fine-tune some details, because in major competitions, it is often these small adjustments that make the difference. We will face quality opponents, so we must be ready at all levels.

CAFOnline.com: Your group includes Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique. What is your view of this group?

Thierry Mouyouma: It’s a very interesting group. In Africa, there is no good or bad draw: it all depends on the final result. With a team progressing mentally, technically, tactically, and physically, starting against Cameroon is an advantage. It will be a Central African derby. Then we face Mozambique. My objective is to secure qualification by the second match so that we can rotate the squad for the third game.

CAFOnline.com: What lessons have you learned from the qualifiers?

Thierry Mouyouma: Qualifiers are very different from a final tournament. We played six matches in three months, with long travels to Morocco, South Africa, Central African Republic… It was demanding. After an initial defeat, it required very strong organization and focus to bounce back. Qualification was essential, especially after our absence in 2023. The final tournament, with three closely scheduled matches (December 24, 28, and 31), requires a different mental and logistical approach.

CAFOnline.com: You chose to work with a mostly Gabonese staff. What does that mean to you?

Thierry Mouyouma: I would like to thank Mr. Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, our President of the Gabonese Football Federation, for his courage and vision, supported by the Head of State. Our staff is 80% Gabonese, with a few foreign experts in specific roles (goalkeeper coach, physiotherapist-osteopath, video analyst…). But it was crucial to ensure local knowledge transfer.

Being a national staff comes with more pressure than an expatriate staff because expectations are different. But it also proves that we have the quality and deserving people who can make our nation proud.

CAFOnline.com: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains an iconic figure. What role does he play in your squad today?

Thierry Mouyouma: He plays a fundamental role as a technical leader. He remains one of our captains and maintains exemplary motivation. In my view, he should have won the African Player of The Year award at a time when his statistics spoke for themselves. For fifteen years, no African striker has shown such consistency. Scoring four goals in a qualifying match is exceptional. He proves that age is just a number. His mentality, desire, and professionalism benefit everyone, players and staff alike.

CAFOnline.com: And what about other veterans like Denis Bouanga or Bruno Ecuélé Manga?

Thierry Mouyouma: They are essential in passing on experience. With players like Mario Lemina, Aaron Appindangoyé, Guelor Kanga, or Jim Allevinah, they form the core of the team. Their influence goes beyond the pitch: they bring discipline, rigor, and a model of behavior. This disciplinary reconstruction is one of our greatest achievements.

CAFOnline.com: You often talk about restoring pride to the Gabonese people. What does this mean to you?

Thierry Mouyouma: We are ambassadors of our nation. The national team reflects the country in miniature. On the pitch, we represent dignity, respect, and the unity of the Gabonese people. Our results directly affect the mood of our compatriots, and that deeply motivates us. Football is a source of joy and cohesion. When Gabonese people rally around their team, it goes beyond sport: it’s an act of national unity.

CAFOnline.com: Gabon reached two AFCON quarterfinals, in 1996 and 2012. What do you take from this history?

Thierry Mouyouma: The 1996 AFCON was a turning point: it was Gabon’s first time in the quarterfinals. The 2012 edition, hosted at home, generated immense public enthusiasm. Today, our goal is clear: surpass this stage and break the ceiling. In 1996, the coach, Mr. Alain Da Costa Soares, was a local technician, an example for me.

CAFOnline.com: Do you think the current generation has the means to go further than previous ones?

Thierry Mouyouma: Yes. We have a balanced mix of veterans, intermediate generation, and promising youngsters. The fearlessness of the new players can be a major asset. Combined with the experience of the seniors, we have the tools to go beyond the first round and, why not, reach the semifinals. The collective experience we have built will be decisive.

CAFOnline.com: Finally, if you had one wish for this TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, what would it be?

Thierry Mouyouma: I have three wishes:

1. That my players enter preparation in the best physical and mental condition, as many will still be competing with their clubs until mid-December.
2. That Gabon has a great run in this AFCON.
3. That this competition helps strengthen our national unity. The Africa Cup of Nations is important for Gabon: when the country looks in the same direction, it becomes unbeatable.