Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Gabon defeated Kenya 2-1 in Nairobi on Sunday, extending their lead in Group F of the African 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The victory moves Gabon to 15 points from six games, two points clear of Ivory Coast, who have a game in hand and play Gambia on Monday.
Aubameyang, 35, opened the scoring with a powerful 15-meter strike that proved too strong for the Kenyan goalkeeper. He then doubled Gabon’s lead from the penalty spot, awarded for a handball in the box.
Kenya, now likely eliminated from contention with only six points from six matches, scored a consolation goal through Michael Olunga. The result marks a disappointing start for new Kenya coach Benni McCarthy, who has managed only one point from his first two games.
Gabon, who have never qualified for a World Cup, are now in a strong position to secure the automatic qualification spot awarded to the group winners.
In Sunday’s other African qualifier, Eswatini and Mauritius played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in a neutral-venue match in South Africa. Neither team is realistically in contention for World Cup qualification.
The winners of each of the nine African groups will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The four best runners-up will enter a playoff to determine a single entrant for an inter-continental playoff, offering a further potential route to the finals. The results on Sunday further clarified the picture in Groups F, with Gabon solidifying their position as favorites.
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