World Cup (Q): The Gambia storm past Seychelles

Abdoulie Manneh scored a hat-trick as the Gambia national team thrashed minnows Seychelles 7-0 to finish up their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup in Group F on Tuesday.

The Scorpions had no issues against the amateurs of Seychelles in a relaxed atmosphere at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius. Manneh, a player who is drawing plenty attention for his performances with Swedish club Mjallby, opened his account with the senior Gambia team with a goal in the first half before scoring twice in the second half.

Adama Sidibeh continued his goal scoring exploits as well, finding the net twice after scoring twice against Gabon earlier in the October FIFA window. Musa Barrow came off the bench at halftime to score a brace as well as the visitors increased their efforts after only scoring twice in the first half.

Later on Tuesday, Group F will be decided when group leaders Ivory Coast host Kenya while Gabon, a point behind the Elephants, host Burundi. The Gambia look likely to finish third in the group with thirteen points from their ten matches. Seychelles end their qualifying campaign without a point, conceding 53 goals (the most of any team in the African region of qualifying) while only scoring twice.