The "cardiac lesions" were found in a check by African Football Confederation medical officials who examined Aubameyang after he returned from a positive virus test to ensure he was OK to return to action.

The diagnosis ruled the former Arsenal skipper out of the match against Ghana.

The medical officials "did not want to take any risks" and said Aubameyang was not able to play against Ghana, the Gabon Football Federation said in a statement.

Aubameyang tested positive at an airport on arrival in Cameroon last week and was put into isolation. He missed Gabon's first game, a 1-0 win over Comoros.

He tested negative for the virus and was out of isolation two days before the Ghana game and was expected to return to the team.

Gabon forward Axel Meye and midfielder Mario Lemina were also prevented from playing against Ghana after they also had cardiac lesions, the Gabon federation said. They had also been in isolation after positive virus tests.

Australian Associated Press