Gabon secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Kenya in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shining as he bagged a brace in Nairobi on Sunday. This win propelled Gabon two points clear of Ivory Coast in the quest for a spot at the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Gabonese team, who have never made it to the World Cup before, now stand at 15 points from six games in Group F, while Ivory Coast follows closely behind with 13 points from five matches. The Ivorians are set to face Gambia in their next match, as they aim to secure their own ticket to the World Cup.
In the World Cup qualifying format, the top team from each of the nine groups earns direct qualification to the finals. Additionally, the four best runners-up will enter a challenging intercontinental playoff campaign for a chance to clinch one more spot at the tournament.
Aubameyang, at the age of 35, showcased his class by opening the scoring with a superb strike from 15 meters out that left the goalkeeper helpless as the ball flew into the net. He later converted a penalty after a handball in the box, securing his second goal of the match. Despite Kenya managing to pull one back through Michael Olunga, the team’s hopes of World Cup qualification seem bleak as they only have six points from six matches. Newly appointed coach Benni McCarthy has struggled to make an impact, collecting just one point from his first two games in charge.
In another fixture on Sunday, Eswatini and Mauritius played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in a neutral venue in South Africa. Both teams are considered minnows in the qualification race and are unlikely to challenge for a spot at the World Cup.
As the qualifying campaign intensifies, Gabon’s victory over Kenya has put them in a strong position to make history by securing their first-ever World Cup appearance. With Aubameyang leading the charge, the Gabonese team will be eager to maintain their form and secure their ticket to the prestigious tournament. The race for World Cup qualification continues to heat up, with each match becoming increasingly crucial for the teams vying for a place on the global stage.
