World Cup (Q): Ivory Coast qualify with another clean sheet against Kenya; Gabon reach playoff

Ivory Coast joined Senegal as the latest African nations to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup following Tuesday’s 2-0 qualifying Group F victory over Kenya at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in rainy Abidjan.

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Franck Kessié opened the scoring inside seven minutes for the Elephants, who dominated the match from start to finish. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo set up the captain with a pass from the right wing for Kessié to receive and finish from close range.

While the Kenyan team managed to keep the deficit at one goal for the remainder of the half, the Harambee Stars offered little threat to the Ivorian goal and the hosts put the match away early in the second half. Talented 18-year-old winger Yan Diomandé confirmed victory in the 54th minute with a darting run from the left wing and finish past Kenya goalkeeper Bryne Omondi.

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The objective was accomplished by this point for the Elephants, who continued to control the ball before Diallo struck for a goal of his own with an 84th minute free kick. Another clean sheet means that the reigning African champions endured qualifying without conceding a single goal from their ten matches.

Gabon finished as runners-up in Group F following a 2-0 victory over Burundi at home. 19-year-old Olympique Lyonnais forward Bryan Meyo opened the scoring late before Mario Lemina added another goal late on.

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 The Panthers qualify for the African regional playoff where they will face Nigeria to begin the four-team tournament in November.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Final Group F Table

1. Ivory Coast- 26 points
2. Gabon- 25 points
3. Gambia- 13 points
4. Kenya- 12 points
5. Burundi- 11 points
6. Seychelles- 0 points

Table of group runners-up (Top 4 advance to playoff)

1. Gabon- 19 points
2. DR Congo- 16 points
3. Cameroon- 15 points (GD: +9)
4. Nigeria- 15 points (GD: +7)
5. Burkina Faso- 15 points (GD: +6) [eliminated]
6. Niger- 15 points (GD: +1) [eliminated]
7. Madagascar- 12 points (eliminated)
8. Uganda- 12 points (eliminated)
9. Namibia- 9 points (eliminated)