World Cup (Q): Aubameyang scores four, sent off as Gabon wins in goalfest; Ivory Coast dominate Seychelles

Defending was optional in Nairobi on Friday as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals to lift Gabon to a 4-3 victory over The Gambia in 2026 World Cup qualifying. However, the Panthers star was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card to end the match on a negative note for the Gabonese team.

🚨 Aubameyang’s 4th goal. Amazing player…

World Cup Qualification | 🏆 Gambia 3-4 Gabonpic.twitter.com/40qCp94HfF

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 10, 2025

Both defenses fell prey to elite-level attackers but it was the Panthers who emerged victorious thanks to the clinical finishing of Aubameyang, who helped his team come from behind to remain in contention for top spot. However, the Olympique Marseille player made a costly error by getting sent off late in the match when he received a second yellow card for shoving an opponent.

After a calm opening twenty minutes, the first defensive mistake allowed the former Arsenal star to open the scoring in the 20th minute when the Gambian defense failed to intercept a Denis Bouanga pass and Aubameyang capitalized. Less than three minutes later, Gambia star Yankuba Minteh took advantage of poor Gabonese defending to equalize.

🚨 Yankuba Minteh scores with goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye’s assist

World Cup Qualification | 🏆 Gambia 1-1 Gabonpic.twitter.com/olmAOA4UNd

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 10, 2025

The theme of awful defending continued. Aubameyang put the Gabonese team back ahead in the 42nd minute but Minteh responded again with a perfect pass to set up Adama Sidibeh for an excellent finish to leave the score 2-2 at halftime.

A poor start to the second half for Gabon allowed Sidibeh to give Gambia the lead in the 47th minute but then Aubameyang snatched the spotlight…for both good and bad reasons. He leveled the match soon after the hour mark on an assist from Guelor Kanga to get his team back in the match after more poor marking from the Gambian defense.

🚨Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hat trick!

World Cup Qualification | 🏆 Gambia 3-3 Gabonpic.twitter.com/gAl9mpUAIG

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 10, 2025

The match winner arrived in the 78th minute after the Panthers star was left unattended to collect a pass and smash past Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye. However, soon after an incident between two players inspired Aubameyang to get involved and the referee was quick to issue a yellow card, the second for the star player that will leave him unavailable for the crucial final match at home against Burundi.

Gabon will need a victory and hope that Group F leaders Ivory Coast fail to win against Kenya on Tuesday after the Elephants dominated minnows Seychelles by a 7-0 score. Otherwise, Gabon will qualify for the regional four-team playoff as one of the best group runners-up.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group F Table

1. Ivory Coast- 23 points (GD: +22)
2. Gabon- 22 points (GD: +11)
3. Kenya- 12 points
4. Gambia- 10 points
5. Burundi- 10 points
6. Seychelles- 0 points

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