French coach Sebastien Migne has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Gabon national team, stepping into the role just moments after his departure from Haiti was officially announced.
The Gabonese Football Federation (GFF) revealed the appointment of Migne, who succeeds Thierry Mouyouma at the helm of the Panthers. For Migne, it represents a return to African football — a continent where he has built a well-traveled coaching resume across multiple nations.
Migne's exit from Haiti came through what both parties described as an amicable agreement. The Haitian Football Federation confirmed Tuesday that the collaboration ended in a spirit of mutual respect and dialogue, with a statement signed by secretary general Patrick Massenat noting that the decision allows both parties to move forward calmly to the next stage of their respective journeys.
The Frenchman leaves Haiti having delivered one of the Caribbean nation's greatest sporting achievements — guiding them to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 52-year absence from football's biggest stage. Haiti were drawn into Group C, where they fell to Scotland (0-1), Brazil (0-3), and Morocco (2-4), finishing bottom of the group. Despite elimination, the historic return sparked widespread celebration among Haitian supporters.
In his farewell statement, Migne said he was departing with deep emotion and immense pride, thanking the players, staff, federation officials, and fans. He described the World Cup qualification as an achievement that will remain forever engraved in Haitian football history.
Migne's African pedigree is extensive. He previously served as assistant coach with Cameroon's Indomitable Lions and was the first coach to guide the DR Congo U-20 team to the continental championships. He took charge of Congo's senior team in March 2017 before leaving in March 2018, then moved to Kenya where the Harambee Stars earned a historic nomination for the CAF men's national team of the year award in 2018.
His immediate challenge with Gabon is clear: secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Panthers sit in Group A of the qualifiers alongside Morocco, Niger, and Lesotho, needing a top-two finish to book their place in the 24-team tournament.
The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted in East Africa — the first time the region has staged the competition in 51 years — with finals scheduled from June 19th to July 17th.