2015 Nations Cup: Sokambi replaces Lemina in Gabon squad

France Under-20 World Cup winner Mario Lemina, who declined a place in Gabon's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad, has been replaced by Bonaventure Sokambi.

Lemina rejected his inclusion in Gabon's squad as he hopes for a call-up to the French senior national team instead.

Lemina, who was born in Gabon, said on Twitter: "All that is being said are just rumours, I'm sorry but there has been no agreement between Gabon and me.

"I will not go to the Nations Cup."

Gabon coach Jorge Costa has now turned to the 23-year-old Sokambi for the 17 January to 8 February finals in Equatorial Guinea.

Sokambi, who recently joined Algerian club ASO Chlef from local side CF Mounana, scored two goals as Gabon exited the 2014 CHAN tournament in the quarterfinals.

Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the biggest name in the Gabon squad, which also includes Cardiff City defender Bruno Ecuele Manga and Charlton striker Frederic Bulot.

Gabon are in Group A at the finals with hosts Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso and Congo.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Didier Ovono (KV Oostende), Anthony Mfa Mezui (Metz), Stephane Bitséki Moto (CF Mounana)

Defenders: Lloyd Palun (Nice), Yrundu Musavu King (Caen), Benjamin Parfait Ze Ondo (ES Setif), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff City), Henri Junior Ndong (Auxerre), Aaron Ondele Appindangoye (CF Mounana), Johan Serge Obiang (La Berrichonne Chateauroux), Junior Randal Oto'o Zue (SC Braga)

Midfielders: Andre Biyogho Pocko (Bordeaux), Didier Ibrahim Ndong (CS Sfaxien), Samson Mbingui (MC Alger), Levy Clement Madinda (Celta Vigo), Guelor Kanga Kaku (FC Rostov), Bonaventure Sokambi (ASO Chlef), Alexander Ndoumbou (Marseille)

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund), Malick Evouna (WAC Casablanca), Frederic Bulot (Charlton Athletic), Romaric Rogombe (AC Leopards), Johan Lengoualama (DH El Jadida)