Gabon’s captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, delivered an unforgettable performance in the African 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday, scoring four goals before being sent off late in the game. His brilliance powered Gabon to a thrilling 4–3 win over Gambia in Nairobi, keeping their World Cup dream alive.
The encounter was a rollercoaster for the Panthers, who twice took the lead before finding themselves behind. Aubameyang’s relentless drive saw him net twice more to restore Gabon’s advantage, but his evening ended abruptly when he picked up a second yellow card in the 86th minute. Despite the dismissal, Gabon held on to claim all three points, remaining just one point adrift of leaders Ivory Coast in Group F.
Elsewhere, reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast delivered a commanding performance, thrashing the Seychelles 7–0 away from home. The rout began early with Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangaré opening the scoring in the seventh minute, while substitute Franck Kessié sealed it in the final moments. Seven different Ivorians found the net in a game that once again underlined the gulf between both sides. Seychelles, ranked 159 places below Ivory Coast, have now conceded 46 goals in nine straight defeats during the qualifiers.
With Ivory Coast sitting on 23 points and Gabon on 22, both sides will enjoy home advantage in their decisive final group matches next week. The Ivorians will take on Kenya, while Gabon host Burundi in what promises to be an electrifying finish to Group F.
In Group B, Senegal tightened their grip on the top spot with a dominant 5–0 victory over South Sudan in Juba. Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr bagged a brace, while veteran forward Sadio Mané also found the net as the Teranga Lions turned a narrow half-time lead into a statement win. The result kept Senegal two points clear of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who managed a hard-fought 1–0 win in Togo courtesy of an early strike from Cedric Bakambu.
Senegal now have 21 points, with DR Congo close behind on 19. The final round will see Senegal host Mauritania, while DR Congo face Sudan at home — both matches crucial to deciding the group’s fate.
Sudan’s goalless draw with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam ended their qualification hopes, leaving the race wide open among the top contenders.
Meanwhile, all eyes will turn to Group C later on Friday, where Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho remain locked in a fierce contest for first place and a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Only the nine group winners will automatically qualify for the global tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the four best runners-up will have another shot through the African play-offs — potentially giving the continent a tenth representative at the expanded 48-team showpiece.
