Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Gabon secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Kenya in an African 2026 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
The win took Gabon to 15 points at the top of Group F, ahead of reigning African champions Ivory Coast with 13, while Burundi sits at seven, Kenya at six, Gambia at four, and Seychelles with none.
Aubameyang, the 35-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona striker now playing in the Saudi Pro League, found the net in the 16th and 52nd minutes in front of a packed 15,000-strong crowd in Nairobi. Kenya’s Michael Olunga pulled one back in the 62nd minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny Gabon the win.
Ivory Coast will host Gambia on Monday, while Burundi faces Seychelles at home on Tuesday in other matchday six fixtures. With only a few matches left, Gabon and Ivory Coast appear set for a decisive battle in September for the top spot in Group F.
Under the qualification format, the nine group winners will automatically secure a place in the expanded 48-nation World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, the four best-ranked runners-up will compete in a mini-tournament, with the winner advancing to intercontinental play-offs for two remaining slots.
Trailing Gabon by nine points with just four games left, Kenya is virtually out of contention for its first-ever World Cup appearance. Their new coach, Benni McCarthy—former Manchester United assistant coach and ex-South Africa forward—will now shift focus to the African Nations Championship, which Kenya co-hosts in August.
Gabon’s opening goal came from a well-crafted play between two experienced players, as Serbia-based 34-year-old Guelor Kanga delivered a precise cross to an unmarked Aubameyang, who slotted the ball past Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
