Gabon coach Jean-Claude Mbouronot has named his 18-man squad for the Men’s football tournament at the 2012 London Olympics.

The boss has named a very strong squad, similar to the one that represented the country at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, with Saint Etienne forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Le Mans keeper Didier Ovono and Lorient star Bruno Ecuele Manga the three over-age players.

Gabon qualified for the Olympics tournament by winning the first edition of the African Under-23 Championship, where they defeated hosts Morocco in the final.

The only notable absentee is Bordeaux youngster Andre Biyogo Poko, who was unable to recover from injury in time to be considered for the final squad.

Boss Mbouronot admits his side have experienced numerous problems during their preparations for the final tournament.

“The preparations haven’t been going very well,” he told BBC Sport.

“We’ve had difficulties implementing this programme for a long time for several reasons that I cannot go into. But what is sure is that we are not well prepared.

“We hope now that this final camp in Austria will take place and that this will help them to prepare well to take on the various opponents.”

Gabon start their campaign on 26th July by tackling Switzerland, before taking on Mexico and South Korea. The Panthers are 4.40 (17/5) with BetVictor to win their opening game.

Gabon squad:

Goalkeepers: Anthony Mfa Mezui (Metz), Didier Ovono (Le Mans).

Defenders: Emmanuel Ndong Mba (Sogea FC), Remy Ebanega, Henri Ndong (both Auxerre), Stevy Nzambe (Marseille), Charly Moussono (Missile FC), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Lorient).

Midfielders: Merlin Koumba Tandjigora (Carquefou), Cedric Boussoughou (Mangasport), Franck Engonga Obame (Mbiliaziami), Alexander Ndoumbou (Marseille), Landy Obiang Obiang (Sogea FC), Levy Madinda (Celta Vigo).

Forwards: Allen Nono (Mbiliaziami), Axel Meye Me Ndong (US Bitam), Ronuald Ntsitsigui (Mangasport), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (St Etienne).

Stand-by: Nick Moundounga (Sogea FC), Muller Dinda Kambambela (CMS), Samson Mbingui (Mangasport), Lionel Yakouya (Pelican).