Gabon will be without their talismanic striker, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, when Gabon faces Seychelles in Franceville for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash from Group F. Nevertheless, the Panthers captain will return to the squad for the crucial second game against Kenya.
The confirmation came as a surprise for many Gabonese supporters. Aubameyang is suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards. The 25-year-old striker was cautioned during matches against Ivory Coast and Gambia. Aubameyang last played for Gabon in November's heavy 1-5 defeat to Morocco in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
Auba has been in good form since joining Saudi Pro League newcomers Al Qadisiya in July. He has bagged ten league goals thus far since joining them from French side Marseille.
Gabon are second in their World Cup qualifying group with nine points, one point behind leaders Ivory Coast. Aubameyang has scored one goal in the qualifying campaign, netting in Gabon's 3-2 home victory over The Gambia back in June 2024.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Group F Table (through four matches)
Points | |
Ivory Coast | 10 |
Gabon | 9 |
Burundi | 7 |
Kenya | 5 |
The Gambia | 3 |
Seychelles | 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 playoff.
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