Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been named in Gabon’s 30-man provisional squad for January’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The 32-year-old was recently stripped the Gunners captaincy following a disciplinary breach, but still retains the Panthers’ armband.
The French-born player will have to confirm all the hopes vested in him and will probably become an overnight hero in Gabon if everything goes according to plan come the big event in Cameroon.
Another inclusion is Red Star Belgrade attacking midfielder Kanga Kaku Gelor who has 46 caps to his name having made his debut in 2012.He had been accused of playing under a false name by DR Congo.
Notable absentees from the squad include Yeni Malatyaspor’s midfielder Didier Ndong and most-capped player, Didier Ovono,
Gabon have selected 10 of the 23 players who were at the 201 finals where they were eliminated in the first round.
The Panthers will open their Group C campaign against debutants Comoros at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 10.
Gabon will then confront four-time champions Ghana, before capping off on January 18 against 1976 Champions Morocco.
Preliminary Squad:
Goalkeepers: Anthony M’fa Mezui, Jean Noel Amonome, Donald Nze, Fotso Junior
Defenders: Musavu King, Lloyd Palun, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Johann Obiang, Sydney Obissa, David Sambissa, Yannis Ngakoutou, Ebane Wilfried, Nguema Gilchrist, Ebane Wilfried, Akue Assoumou
Midfielders: André Biyogho Poko, Alex Moucketou, Kanga Kaku Gelor, Mario lemina, Autchanga Louis, Medwin Biteghe, Ngouali Martisso
Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Aaron Salem Boupendza, Denis Bouanga, Jim Allevinah, Eneme Ella Ulrich, Fadh Nzengue, Mayi Kevin and Axel Meye
