Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a match-winning performance, scoring twice as Gabon defeated Kenya 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, dealing a major blow to the Harambee Stars’ hopes of reaching the finals.
The victory propelled Gabon to the top of Group F, moving two points clear of Ivory Coast, as they strengthened their push for a first-ever World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, Kenya remain fourth, now nine points adrift of the leaders with their qualification hopes fading fast.
The former Arsenal forward put Gabon ahead in the 16th minute, lashing home a powerful right-footed strike before celebrating with his signature acrobatics.
Kenya captain Michael Olunga had two golden chances to equalize before halftime, first forcing a fine save that pushed his shot onto the post and later heading wide in injury time.
Aubameyang, who now plays for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, doubled Gabon’s lead from the penalty spot just seven minutes into the second half after Erick Ouma was penalized for handball.
Olunga pulled one back in the 62nd minute, converting a low cross from Ouma, but Kenya failed to find an equalizer, leaving their World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy with only four matches remaining.
With only the group winners securing automatic qualification, Gabon are now in a strong position, while Kenya’s seven-point gap behind second-placed Ivory Coast makes their path to qualification increasingly difficult.
The four best second-placed teams across the nine groups will enter a playoff for a chance to reach the intercontinental qualifiers, but Kenya’s chances are dwindling after this defeat.
Ivory Coast could reclaim the top spot in Group F when they face The Gambia at home in their next match. In Group D, Mauritius staged a dramatic comeback to draw 3-3 with Eswatini after trailing 2-0 early in the match.
Eswatini, buoyed by their shock draw against Cameroon last week, raced into a 2-0 lead within 18 minutes as Philani Mkhonto capitalized on defensive lapses. However, Mauritius struck back immediately after halftime with goals from Lindsay Rose and Yannick Aristide to level the score.
Mayibongwe Mabuza restored Eswatini’s lead at 3-2, 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 are just above them in fifth place with five points.
Cape Verde lead the group with 10 points, followed by Cameroon (9), Libya (8), and Angola (7)—all still in contention for qualification.
