Poker and Chaos: Aubameyang Keeps Gabon’s World Cup Dream Alive

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again etched his name into African football history. The Olympique de Marseille striker, at 36 years old, delivered an epic masterclass by scoring all four goals in Gabon’s 4-3 win over Gambia, keeping their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.

Played in Nairobi due to logistical reasons, the match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Aubameyang twice put the Panthers ahead in the first half, only for Gambia to equalize through Yankuba Minteh and Adama Sidibeh.

The second half brought even more drama. Sidibeh gave the home side a 3-2 lead early on, but the Gabonese captain refused to back down. A powerful header in the 62nd minute completed his hat-trick, and a stunning strike across goal in the 78th sealed his historic poker, sparking wild celebrations on the Gabon bench.

A Hero and a Villain in the Same Night

Aubameyang’s story didn’t end with his goals. During one of his celebrations, he kicked and broke a corner flag, earning himself a yellow card. But things got worse when, just five minutes from time, he was sent off for shoving Gambian defender Alagie Saine.

His dismissal left Gabon down to ten men in the closing stages, but the team held firm to secure a crucial victory. Now, coach Thierry Mouyouma’s side will have to fight for qualification without their star man, who will serve a suspension in the final round.

Ivory Coast Feeling the Heat

Gabon’s victory has tightened the race in Group F of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Ivory Coast remain top with 12 points after their 7-0 demolition of Seychelles, but Gabon now sit just one point behind with 11.

The equation is simple: Gabon must beat Burundi and hope Ivory Coast slip up against Kenya. However, the Elephants boast a huge goal difference advantage (+22 to Gabon’s +11), meaning the Panthers may need a big win to keep their dream alive until the final whistle.

Aubameyang’s Legacy Lives On

With this performance, Aubameyang reached 12 goals in the qualifiers, placing him among Africa’s top scorers. Despite the red card, the former Barcelona and Arsenal star proved once again that he remains the heart and soul of Gabon’s national team, a leader whose fire still burns bright.