World Cup Qualifying: Aubameyang to miss Gabon’s clash with minnows

The Gabon national team will be without talismanic striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Wednesday when they kickoff Africa’s slate of 2026 World Cup qualifying games from the September FIFA window.

The Gabonese Football Federation provided an injury update ahead of the Panthers’ qualifying clash with minnows Seychelles, announcing that the Olympique de Marseille forward will be absent for the first match of the window due to knee pain.

Aubameyang felt discomfort during Marseille’s Ligue 1 match against Lyon over the weekend and will focus on treatment to be available for the decisive clash against Ivory Coast in Gabon’s second match from the international break. Gabon is currently only a point behind the Elephants in Group F, making it a crucial home clash for the Panthers who can overtake the Ivorians for first place in the late stages.

The Panthers are unlikely to miss Aubameyang’s presence against Seychelles, a team of part-timers who have zero points in Group F while conceding thirty goals from their six matches. Seychelles will host Gabon in Mauritius with no expectations other than gaining valuable experience. Gabon defeated the islanders at home in Franceville by a 3-0 score in their prevoius Group F meeting back in March.

Two other attackers are sure to miss Wednesday’s game with leg injuries. Red Star Belgrade forward Shavy Babicka and Angers winger Jim Allevinah will join up with the team in Franceville after being ruled out for the opening match as a precaution.

With Aubameyang out, who is available for Gabon’s first World Cup qualifier in September?

The status of another Panthers star, Denis Bouanga, remains uncertain due to playing in a Major League Soccer match with Los Angeles FC on Sunday. However, the veteran forward left on a flight for Mauritius soon after Sunday’s evening match and could be available in some capacity.

It will be interesting to see how coach Thierry Mouyouma navigates the lack of options in his attack on Wednesday. 19-year-old Olympique Lyonnais reserve team forward Bryan Meyo and towering Iran-based attacker Eric Bocoum appear to be the only players with experience at the striker position.

Meyo came off the bench to score on his debut in a 2-0 friendly victory over Guinea-Bissau in June while Bocoum last played for Gabon in late 2024 during their successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. Wingers Teddy Andami and David Sambissa are available as well as another prospect, 20-year-old attacking midfielder Noha Lemina, while veteran playmaker Guelor Kanga can play in a more advanced role.

Full Gabon squad for September World Cup qualifiers