Aubameyang’s Four-Goal Masterclass Keeps Gabon’s World Cup Dream Alive
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a vintage performance, scoring all four goals as Gabon came from behind to edge The Gambia 4–3 in a pulsating FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifier.
The Gabonese captain’s heroics kept his nation’s hopes of automatic qualification alive and set up a mouthwatering final-day showdown with Côte d’Ivoire in Group F, with both sides battling for the group’s single automatic ticket to North America.
Group F: Aubameyang Inspires Gabon’s Comeback
The Gambia 3–4 Gabon
Scorers: Minteh (23’), Sidibeh (45+3’, 47’) – Aubameyang (20’, 42’, 62’, 78’)
Aubameyang rolled back the years with a dazzling four-goal display that will live long in Gabonese football folklore.
The former Arsenal striker opened the scoring early on, only for Yankuba Minteh to draw The Gambia level. The 34-year-old struck again before halftime, but Adama Sidibeh’s quickfire brace gave the hosts a 3–2 advantage shortly after the break.
Refusing to be outdone, Aubameyang completed his hat-trick with a well-timed header before sealing victory with a thunderous long-range effort. His night ended on a sour note, however, as he was shown a second yellow card late on, ruling him out of Gabon’s decisive final fixture against Burundi.
Group F: Côte d’Ivoire Run Riot to Stay Top
Seychelles 0–7 Côte d’Ivoire
Scorers: Sangare (pen 7’), Agbadou (17’), Diakite (32’), Guessand (38’), Diomande (56’), Adingra (68’), Kessie (90’)
Côte d’Ivoire maintained their lead in Group F with a ruthless display against Seychelles. The reigning AFCON champions were four goals up by halftime through strikes from Sangare, Agbadou, Diakite, and Guessand.
Second-half goals from Diomande, Adingra, and Kessie added gloss to the scoreline, as Emerse Fae’s men moved to within one win of sealing qualification. A victory over Kenya on Tuesday will confirm their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Group B: Senegal One Win Away from Qualification
South Sudan 0–5 Senegal
Scorers: Sarr (29’, 54’), Mane (46’), Jackson (pen 60’), C. Ndiaye (75’)
Senegal continued their dominant qualifying campaign with a commanding 5–0 win over South Sudan in Juba.
Ismaila Sarr’s brace and Sadio Mane’s trademark finish set the tone before Nicolas Jackson converted from the spot. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye capped the victory to leave the Teranga Lions just one win away from qualification.
They host Mauritania next, where a win will officially book their ticket to North America.
Group B: Bakambu Keeps DR Congo’s Hopes Alive
Togo 0–1 DR Congo
Scorer: Bakambu (7’)
Cedric Bakambu’s early strike ensured DR Congo stayed within touching distance of Senegal. The Real Betis forward finished clinically after a fine pass from Fiston Mayele.
Despite late pressure from Togo, defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba held firm to secure a crucial win. DR Congo must now beat Sudan and hope Mauritania upset Senegal to qualify automatically.
Group B: Sudan and Mauritania Bow Out
Sudan 0–0 Mauritania
Sudan’s slim qualification hopes came to an end after a goalless draw with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam. James Kwesi Appiah’s side dominated possession but were denied by Mauritania’s inspired goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr.
Group C: Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria Set for Final-Day Drama
The race for World Cup qualification in Group C remains wide open after another thrilling round of fixtures left Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria all in contention.
Benin climbed to the summit with a narrow 1–0 win over Rwanda, courtesy of Tosin Aiyegun’s late goal — their third consecutive victory under coach Gernot Rohr.
In Durban, South Africa were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Zimbabwe, missing the chance to go top. Bafana Bafana now face Rwanda in a must-win final match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Nigeria revived their campaign with a vital 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty before Akor Adams added the second to secure the Super Eagles a much-needed victory.
With Benin leading by two points, and both South Africa and Nigeria still within striking distance, Group C is set for a dramatic finale.
Group H: Tunisia Cruise, Ticket Secured
Tunisia 6–0 São Tomé and Príncipe
Already qualified, Tunisia showcased their class with a comfortable 6–0 win. Firas Chaouat, Elias Saad, Ismael Gharbi, and a brace from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane powered the Carthage Eagles to another dominant display as they continue to build momentum heading into the World Cup.