Aubameyang finishes off Marseille victory

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added another goal to his tally for Olympique de Marseille on Saturday, contributing to a 3-0 victory before leaving for 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with the Gabon national team.

The 36-year-old poacher scored his fifth goal in all competitions for OM, finishing off the decisive victory by scoring from a cross by Matt O’Riley.

It was a needed victory for Marseille, who moved back into first place on the French Ligue 1 table. However, a rough patch of form over the last month makes it unlikely that they will remain the leaders heading into the November FIFA window. Reigning champions PSG will be looking to move ahead when the French and European club champions face Lyon away on Sunday.

Saturday’s goal marked Aubameyang’s first goal since registering four goals in a 4-3 World Cup qualifying victory for Gabon against Gambia on October 10. Now Auba’s mission is clear with an unprecented opportunity for his international career.

Gabon will face Nigeria on Thursday in the semifinals of the African regional playoff and the legendary Panthers forward will look to guide his nation to a first-ever World Cup finals berth. A victory would set up a clash with either DR Congo or Cameroon for Africa’s place at the inter-continental playoff next March in Mexico.