Sebastien Migne to lead Gabon in 2027 AFCON qualifiers after leaving Haiti role
The Gabonese Football Federation (GFF) has officially announced the appointment of Sebastien Migne as the new head coach of the Panthers of Gabon.
The French tactician, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, takes charge of Gabon after ending his contract with Haiti.
The French coach now returns to African football after guiding Haiti to a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Haiti’s run in the World Cup concluded in the group stage, marking their first tournament appearance in 52 years.
Drawn into Group C, Haiti finished at the bottom of their group after defeats to Scotland (0-1), Brazil (0-3), and Morocco (2-4).
Despite being eliminated, the historic return and competitive performances were widely celebrated by their fans.
Decision made in ‘mutual respect’
The Haitian Football Federation announced Tuesday that the two had reached “an amicable” decision to end their collaboration.
“The decision, made in a spirit of mutual respect and dialogue, allows both parties to move forward calmly to the next stage of their respective journeys,” read part of the statement signed by secretary general Patrick Massenat.
The statement further praised Migne for his success in qualifying Haiti for the World Cup.
“Above all, Haiti’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a major achievement that allowed the nation to return to the world’s most prestigious football competition 52 years after its first appearance,”added the statement.
Migne was appointed as Haiti’s head coach in 2024 and guided the country to one of the greatest achievements in its football history by securing qualification for the World Cup.
Migne released a farewell statement reflecting on his time with Haiti. The French tactician revealed he was leaving with deep emotion and immense pride, thanked the players, staff, federation officials, and Haitian supporters, and described the World Cup qualification as an achievement that will remain forever engraved in Haitian football history.
Migne takes charge of Gabon
Immediately after Haiti announced Migne’s exit, the Gabonese Football Federation confirmed the appointment of Migne as head coach of the national team.
The French coach succeeds Thierry Mouyouma and returns to a continent he knows well after several stints in Africa. Migne has previously worked with several national teams across the continent and will now take charge of the Panthers.
Migne was previously coach of the DR Congo national U-20 team, and was the first coach to qualify the team for the continental championships.
He was appointed coach of the Congo national team in March 2017, and left in March 2018.
In 2018, Migne was named the new coach of the Kenya national team, the Harambee Stars. Under Migne, Kenya was nominated for the CAF men’s national team of the year award in 2018, for the first time in history.
Migne’s immediate task will be to help Gabon qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be co-hosted in East Africa.
Gabon have been drawn into Group A of the qualifiers alongside Morocco, Niger, and Lesotho. To secure a spot in the 24-team tournament, Gabon must finish in the top two of this group.
The 2027 edition will be staged in East Africa for the first time in 51 years, with 24 teams to be confirmed for the finals, which are to be staged from June 19th to July 17th.
Follow the AFCON qualifiers with Flashscore.
