When Gambia Football Federation handed the match‑day reins to Kenya, few expected a fireworks show. Yet on , at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi, the hosts – the Scorpions – fell 4‑3 to a surging Gabon side in a thriller that tipped the balance of FIFA 2026 World Cup CAF Group F qualifier. The drama mattered because the group winner walks straight to Qatar, while the best third‑placed teams scramble for a playoff spot.
Why the match ended up in Kenya
Normally the home team enjoys its own turf, but Abdul Khadim Jallow, president of the Gambia FA, disclosed that none of the country’s stadiums met FIFA’s upgraded infrastructure criteria. "We needed a venue with a certified flood‑lighting system and a 30,000‑seat capacity," he told reporters on 9 October. The compromise was broached with the Football Kenya Federation, which offered Kasarani – a venue that proudly hosted the 2017 African Cup of Nations final.
Match timeline – goals, cards and chaos
The opening whistle saw both teams probing, but the first breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang—Gabon’s veteran striker and former Arsenal forward—slotted a low drive past Baboucarr Gaye. He added a second at 42′, giving the visitors a 2‑0 cushion before halftime.
Gambia answered back quickly. Yankuba Minteh, the 22‑year‑old winger, poked in the 23rd minute, sparking a roared chant from the 10,000‑strong Gambian diaspora in the stands. The equaliser arrived at 45+2′ when Adama Sidibeh surged from midfield and tucked the ball under Gaye’s outstretched arms. Just a minute later, Sidibeh struck again, flashing a 3‑2 lead for the Scorpions.
But the drama wasn’t over. Aubameyang, who was already on a goal‑scoring spree, completed his hat‑trick at 62′, and then again at 78′, making it a historic four‑goal haul in a single qualifier. The celebration was cut short when the referee brandished a red card for a reckless elbow that connected with Gambia’s defender James Gomez. The Gabon captain trudged off, his night ending in a bittersweet mix of triumph and disciplinary disappointment.
In the closing stages, Gambia pressed for another equaliser, but a late header from Gabon’s Moussa N'Diaye sealed the 4‑3 result.
Coaches, fans and officials react
Gabon’s head coach, Christian Bala, praised his striker’s composure: "Aubameyang showed why he’s still one of Africa’s best. Four goals in a pressure game – that’s elite." He also admitted the red card was a “moment of frustration” that could haunt them in the next match against Burundi.
Gambia’s manager, Tommy Bojang, remained optimistic despite the loss: "We gave the fans a night to remember. We’re out of the World Cup race, but finishing third is still within reach. The boys fought until the final whistle."
Fans on social media were divided. Gambian supporters celebrated Sidibeh’s brace with hashtags like #SidibehSuperstar, while Gabonese fans flooded Twitter with #Aubameyang4, posting clips of each strike. In Nairobi, the local crowd enjoyed the spectacle, noting that the stadium’s atmosphere rivaled anything seen in West Africa.
What the result means for Group F
- Gabon's win lifts them to 22 points, keeping them a single point behind group‑leaders Ivory Coast (23 points after their 1‑1 draw with Seychelles).
- The Scorpions remain on 10 points, officially out of World Cup contention but still able to clinch third place if Burundi falters.
- Ivory Coast’s upcoming clash with Kenya in Abidjan becomes the de‑facto title decider.
Under FIFA’s rules, only the group winner earns an automatic spot, while the four best third‑placed teams advance to inter‑continental playoffs. Gabon’s survival hinges on beating Burundi on 14 October and hoping the Ivory Coast slips up.
Looking ahead – the final matchdays
Gabon will host Burundi at Stade de la Révolution in Libreville on . The stakes are high: a win could catapult them to the group’s top spot if Ivory Coast drops points.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast travels to Kasarani again, this time facing Kenya. A draw would hand them the group crown; a loss would throw the qualification picture into chaos.
For The Gambia, the focus shifts to finishing third. Their last game against Burundi is essentially a points‑battle for the ‘best‑third’ slot that could still keep their World Cup dream alive via the playoffs.
Key facts
- Date: 10 Oct 2025
- Venue: Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi
- Result: Gabon 4 – 3 Gambia
- Goal scorer: Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang (4 goals)
- Implication: Gabon stays second in Group F with 22 points
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gabon's victory affect their World Cup chances?
The win lifts Gabon to 22 points, keeping them within one point of leaders Ivory Coast. They must beat Burundi and hope Ivory Coast drops points to claim the automatic qualifying spot; otherwise, they remain in contention for a playoff place as one of the four best third‑placed teams.
Why was the match played in Kenya instead of The Gambia?
FIFA required stadiums to meet specific criteria—lighting, seating capacity, pitch quality—that none of The Gambia’s venues satisfied. The Gambia Football Federation therefore partnered with the Football Kenya Federation to use Kasarani, a FIFA‑approved arena.
What was the significance of Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang’s four goals?
Scoring four times in a single qualifier is rare; it marked Aubameyang’s first multi‑goal haul in a World Cup qualifying campaign and kept Gabon’s hopes alive. His performance also highlighted his enduring quality despite being in the twilight of his career.
What are the next matches for Ivory Coast and Kenya?
Ivory Coast faces Kenya at Kasarani on 10 October (the same day) and drew 1‑1 with Seychelles, leaving them on 23 points. Their next fixture is a home game against Kenya in Abidjan, which will decide the group winner.
Will The Gambia still have a shot at a World Cup playoff?
Yes, despite being eliminated from automatic qualification, The Gambia can still finish among the four best third‑placed teams. Their fate now depends on the outcome of the Burundi‑Gambia match and the results of other groups' third‑place finishers.
Jody Webster
October 11 2025
Honestly, the whole “stadium issue” is just a convenient excxept, not a real problem, right??