Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice as Gabon secured a 2-1 victory over Kenya in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, dealing a significant blow to the East African side’s hopes of reaching the finals.
The win propelled Gabon two points clear of Ivory Coast at the top of Group F, strengthening their bid for a first-ever World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, Kenya remain fourth in the standings, trailing the group leaders by nine points.
Former Arsenal forward Aubameyang opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a powerful right-footed strike and marked the occasion with his signature acrobatic celebration.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga had opportunities to level the score in Nairobi, seeing one shot tipped onto the post before heading wide in first-half stoppage time.
Aubameyang, now playing for Saudi club Al-Qadsiah, doubled Gabon’s lead from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after Erick Ouma was penalized for handball.
Olunga responded in the 62nd minute, slotting home Ouma’s low cross, but Kenya failed to find an equalizer. With just four rounds of fixtures remaining, their World Cup hopes are fading.
Only group winners secure an automatic spot at the tournament, while the four best second-placed teams from the nine groups will enter play-offs for a chance at an intercontinental qualifier.
Kenya had earned a draw against The Gambia in Benni McCarthy’s first match as head coach on Thursday, but this defeat leaves them seven points behind second-placed Ivory Coast, having played a game more.
The qualifiers continue on Monday with eight fixtures, including Ivory Coast’s clash against The Gambia, where a win would see the Elephants reclaim top spot in Group F.
Mauritius Stun Eswatini with Late Equalizer
Elsewhere, Mauritius staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Eswatini in Group D, equalizing in injury time after trailing 2-0 early on.
Eswatini, buoyed by their resilient draw against Cameroon on Wednesday, raced into a 2-0 lead within 18 minutes through Philani Mkhonto’s quickfire brace.
However, defensive frailties from set-pieces cost the hosts dearly, as Lindsay Rose and Yannick Aristide scored in quick succession after halftime to bring Mauritius level.
Mayibongwe Mabuza briefly restored Eswatini’s lead, but Emmanuel Vincent salvaged a point for Mauritius with a 91st-minute free-kick.
Eswatini remain bottom of Group D with two points, while Mauritius sit just above them in fifth place with five points. Cape Verde lead the group with 10 points, followed closely by Cameroon (9), Libya (8), and Angola (7), all still in contention for qualification.
