Aubameyang brace fires Gabon past Kenya in World Cup qualifier

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 35-year-old striker, who now plays in the Saudi Pro League, put Gabon ahead in the 16th minute and doubled the lead in the 52nd in front of a packed 15,000-strong crowd in Nairobi. Kenya captain Michael Olunga pulled one back in the 62nd minute, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.

The win moves Gabon to 15 points in Group F, two ahead of reigning African champions Ivory Coast, who play Gambia on Monday. Burundi, Kenya, and Gambia trail with seven, six, and four points, respectively, while Seychelles remain bottom without a point.

With only the group winners earning automatic qualification for the expanded 48-team World Cup, Gabon and Ivory Coast remain in pole position ahead of their September showdown. The four best second-placed teams will have a chance to qualify via play-offs.

Kenya, now nine points adrift with four matches remaining, are all but out of contention for their first World Cup appearance. Coach Benni McCarthy, appointed earlier this year, will now shift focus to the African Nations Championship, which Kenya co-hosts in August.

Aubameyang’s first goal came from a pinpoint cross by Guelor Kanga, while his second was a composed penalty after Eric Ouma handled inside the box. Olunga kept Kenya’s hopes alive with a close-range finish, but Gabon held firm to complete a qualifying double over the Harambee Stars.

(Source: AFP)