Apanga was training with his Gabonese Club FC 105 Libreville when he collapsed and died.

"The country has lost a brave son who has always given his best for the Gabonese flag," Gabon’s football association, Fegafoot said.

"All our condolences to his family and team-mates."

The 35-year-old played for Gabon at the 2010 and 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competitions.

Although born in Ivory Coast, Brou Apanga was persuaded to play for Gabon by then coach Alain Giresse.

He started his career at FC Politehnica Timisoara in Romania before played for the likes of Brest in France and Italian clubs Perugia and Brescia.

He returned to Gabon in 2012 and played for Mangasport and returned earlier this year to play for Club FC 105 Libreville.

Gabon midfielder Didier Ndong who also plays for Sunderland took to social media to pay tribute to Brou Apanga.

"I take this moment to tell you that I'll be thinking about you every minute of this match - rest in peace big brother," Ndong wrote.

"Brou Apanga a legend of Gabonese football," he added.