Photo Credit - Dennis Kegengo.
Gabon talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says they are in Kenya for a mission, to beat Harambee Stars and increase their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA.
The Panthers arrived in Kenya on Friday night and trained on Saturday at Nyayo Stadium ahead of the fixture. While Gabon won their matchday five fixture 3-0 against Seychelles at Stade de Franceville, Kenya had to come back twice to draw 3-3 against the Scorpions of Gambia at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast.
Ahead of the fixture against Kenya at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, Aubameyang, who turns out for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, said their ambitions is to qualify for their first-ever World Cup and they are in Nairobi for maximum points to boost their chances.
“Very happy to be here, it is my first time over here and I can say the country is very nice and we’ve been welcomed very well, I am very happy to be here and I think we are an ambitious team on a mission,” Aubameyang told Pan-Africa Football. “We will try everything to win this game obviously, we came here with a lot of ambitions and yeah, that’s it.”
On if Gabon qualify for the World Cup to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA, the former Arsenal striker and captain said: “It will be something crazy and amazing not only for me but for all the country, because obviously it has never happened before so it’s a big goal, it’s a big target for us to try and to go to the World Cup, I think that could be my best trip, and hopefully I will achieve it.”
Asked whether he will be able to represent Gabon at the FIFA World Cup if they qualify and considering his age, Aubameyang said: “Why not? I think age is just but a number. You can see players they play between 40, to 41 and I’m only 35, so I still have time and I feel good, that is the most important thing, For as long as I feel healthy, I will play my game, and try to do my best.
“We know it is not going to be easy to qualify, but we are prepared for that, we know Kenya is a tough team, we want to win the game and we are ready.”
Gabon will go into the fixture sitting second in Group F with 12 points from five matches, one less than table leaders Ivory Coast, while Kenya is lying fourth with six points.
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