Gabon: Anicet Yala appointed interim head coach of the Panthers | OneFootball

Gabon: Anicet Yala appointed interim head coach of the Panthers

Gabon: Anicet Yala appointed interim head coach of the Panthers

Anicet Yala has been named interim head coach of the Panthers. He steps in while the Gabonese national team awaits the appointment of a permanent manager. The former Gabon international will oversee the squad during the upcoming FIFA Series set to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The decision was made following a meeting between the Ministry of Sports and the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot). Anicet Yala will serve as interim coach from March 23 to 31, a period that coincides with the national team's gathering for these international fixtures.

A coach who already knows the squad

A former Gabon international, Anicet Yala is no stranger to the Panthers’ setup. He previously worked as assistant to head coach Patrice Neveu and even took charge of the national team on a temporary basis in 2022, leading them in a match played in Kinshasa under unique circumstances.

This interim appointment comes as sporting authorities continue the process of selecting Thierry Mouyouma’s successor. According to multiple sources, over 600 applications have been reviewed and a shortlist of finalists has already been drawn up.

Two matches scheduled in Tashkent

During this international window, the Panthers will play two friendly matches. Gabon will first take on Uzbekistan on March 27, before facing Trinidad and Tobago on March 30. These matches are part of the FIFA Series hosted in Tashkent.

The FIFA Series fixtures are set to serve as a transition before the official announcement of the Panthers’ next head coach.