Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a remarkable performance in the African 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scoring four goals before being sent off as his team edged the Gambia 4-3 in a thrilling encounter held in Nairobi. Despite his dismissal late in the game, Aubameyang’s heroics ensured Gabon remained in contention for a spot at next year’s global showpiece.
The dramatic victory kept Gabon just one point behind Ivory Coast in Group F. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Gabonese taking the lead twice, only to fall behind before Aubameyang turned the game around with two decisive late goals. However, his celebrations were short-lived as he received two yellow cards in quick succession, leading to his dismissal in the 86th minute.
Group leaders Ivory Coast continued their dominant run with an emphatic 7-0 victory over the Seychelles, reinforcing their credentials as Africa Cup of Nations champions. Seven different players found the net, beginning with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré’s early strike and ending with Franck Kessié’s late goal. The Ivorians have now amassed 23 points, with Gabon close behind on 22, setting up a tense finale next week. Ivory Coast will host Kenya, while Gabon faces Burundi in what promises to be a decisive round of fixtures.
In Group B, Senegal moved closer to a third consecutive World Cup appearance after crushing South Sudan 5-0 in Juba. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr scored twice, while veteran star Sadio Mané added his name to the scoresheet as the Lions of Teranga extended their unbeaten run. The result leaves Senegal on 21 points, maintaining a two-point cushion over the Democratic Republic of Congo, who edged Togo 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Cedric Bakambu.
Elsewhere, Sudan and Mauritania played out a goalless draw in Dar es Salaam, effectively ending both nations’ hopes of reaching the tournament.
As the qualifiers head into the final round, nine group winners will automatically book their tickets to the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The four best-ranked runners-up will enter playoffs, offering Africa the chance to secure a record tenth representative at the expanded 48-team tournament.
