Gabon goalkeeper Junior Bekale suffers mid-air seizure
The national football team, the Panthers, faces squad changes before their match against Lesotho due to player illness and injury.
Gabon's national football team, the Panthers, is adjusting its squad for an upcoming match against Lesotho in Franceville on Thursday. Goalkeeper Junior François Bekale experienced a seizure on a flight to join the team, leading to his withdrawal for medical evaluation. Orphé Mbina is also unavailable due to a persistent adductor issue.
The Gabon Football Federation (Fegafoot) reported on November 8, 2026, that Bekale suffered a five-minute convulsive seizure on an Africa United flight from Libreville to Mvengué. Medical staff on board provided immediate assistance, and his condition reportedly improved. He is being evacuated to Hôpital d’instruction des armées Omar Bongo Ondimba in Libreville for further tests, and the team's medical staff has decided he should rest.
Joël Mbore, a goalkeeper for Mangasport, has been called up to replace Bekale, marking his first national team selection. Alan Do Marcolino will replace Mbina, who requires a week's rest for his left adductor problem. These changes come amid heightened medical caution following Bekale's incident.
Why it mattersGabon's national football team is experiencing player withdrawals due to medical issues ahead of an important match.