African Cup of Nations hosts Gabon sack manager

The Portuguese coach, hired in July 2014, was let go following the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw, with Gabon in a tricky group alongside Ivory Coast, Mali and Morocco.

Costa was the best paid manager of any national side on the continent, news website Gaboneco revealed in May.

"If I receive 70,000 euros ($78,000) a month, a salary which makes me the best paid (manager) in Africa, it's because I'm the best coach," former Porto and Standard Liege player Costa said.

He made those comments as questions were raised over Gabon's performances on the pitch, the most recent a 2-1 friendly loss to reigning African champions Ivory Coast.

Gabon, who co-hosted the Cup of Nations in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea, stage the 2017 edition in January and February.

Costa's successor is due to be named on July 30 in time for the first World Cup qualifiers in October.