An African football thriller took place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast after the Harambee Stars of Kenya found a last-second equalizer to draw The Gambia by a 3-3 score in action from Group F of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying. Elsewhere, Gabon moved to the top of the group after an easy 3-0 victory over minnows Seychelles at home.
A draw does neither Kenya nor Gambia any favors but neutral viewers were left entranced by a match that personified African football with fearless attacking and open play. Kenya goalkeeper Ian Otieno saved a first half penalty from Gambia star Musa Barrow but was powerless to stop a 55th minute thunderbolt from Barrow to put Gambia ahead.
It appeared the Scorpions were on their way to victory when Yankuba Minteh fired in from close range in the 61st minute but the Harambee Stars marched back. Jonah Ayunga draw a penalty kick that star striker Michael Olunga converted in the 69th minute and Kenya Police FC attacker Mohammed Bajaber scored his first goal for Kenya with a beautiful curler from distance six minutes later.
Once again, Gambia snatched the lead when Abdoulie Ceesay's mishit shot attempt fell right to a wide open Barrow for a finish in the 84th minute. With the Scorpions set for a campaign reviving victory, one last attack from a long throw-in for Kenya resulted in a last-second qualizer by Australian-born flank player William Lenkupae Wilson for his first ever Harambee Stars goal. Kenya and Gambia remain in 4th and 5th place respectively but the match was a spectable to remember.
In Gabon, the hosts thrashed Seychelles 3-0 to take top spot in the group in Franceville. The Panthers were without star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to suspension but Denis Bouanga filled the void with two goals. Jim Allevinah gave the home side an early lead through a superb header and Bounga doubled the lead in the 30th minute before completing his brace in the second half.
Gabon tops the group with 12 points. Ivory Coast are second with 10 points but can go first if they beat Burundi on Friday.
Group F Table
GP | Points | |
Gabon | 5 | 12 |
Ivory Coast | 4 | 10 |
Burundi | 4 | 7 |
Kenya | 5 | 6 |
Gambia | 5 | 4 |
Seychelles | 5 | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
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