Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is now reaching a thrilling climax and Gabon will have to wait until their final fixture to discover their fate.
Gabon secured a dramatic 4-3 road win over Gambia on Friday, thanks to four goals from veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona forward fired his team to victory but will now be suspended for Monday’s game against Burundi after picking up two late yellow cards against Gambia.
The 36-year-old was booked for kicking a corner flag in celebration of his 78th minute winner at Moi International Sports Centre. Just minutes later he received a second booking for a clumsy push on Gambian defender Alagie Saine, ruling himself out of Monday’s game.
Gabon have never before reached the World Cup but there was hope that this generation could make history for the West African nation. Alongside Aubameyang, now playing in France for Marseille, Gabon have in-form LAFC forward Denis Bouanga and Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina, formerly of Juventus and Southampton.
With one game remaining Gabon are a point behind group leader Ivory Coast and look unlikely to take top spot on the final day. However while only the group winner advances automatically to next summer’s tournament, the second-placed side in each group has the chance to qualify through African and intercontinental playoffs.