World Cup Qualifiers: Aubameyang’s Quadruple Headlines Friday’s African world Cup qualifiers Action
The African zone qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup erupted in a flurry of goals and drama on Friday, marked by a sensational individual performance from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and commanding wins from continental heavyweights, setting a ferocious pace for the final game day.
Aubameyang’s Four-Goal Heroics Seals Seven-Goal Thriller
The most extraordinary match of the night unfolded in Group F, where Gabon edged out Gambia in a pulsating 4-3 spectacle. The night belonged entirely to Gabonese captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who turned back the clock to score all four of his team’s goals, and even a late red card shown to the Marseille man did not spoil the party.
The veteran striker scored in the 20th and 42nd minutes to give Gabon a first-half lead, before Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh and a quick brace from Adama Sidibeh (45’+3, 47′) saw the score level at 3-3 early in the second half. However, Aubameyang quickly responded, completing his hat-trick in the 62nd minute and securing the winner with his fourth goal in the 78th. The spectacular 4-3 win ensures Gabon remains firmly in contention with Ivory Coast. Gabon will play their decisive final group match against Burundi.
They need to win their match and hope that Côté D’Ivoire (who are currently 1 point ahead in group F) drops points in their final match against Kenya to take first place and qualify.
Heavyweights Announce Intent with Goal Barrages
Elsewhere, the biggest nations made short work of their opponents, showcasing overwhelming attacking talent: Côté d’Ivoire was ruthless in Group F, demolishing Seychelles 7-0. The goals were shared widely, with Ibrahim Sangaré (7′ P), Emmanuel Agbadou (17′), Oumar Diakité (32′), Evann Guessand (38′), Yan Diomande (56′), Simon Adingra (68′), and Franck Kessié (90′) all finding the net.
Tunisia, already qualified for next year’s global showpiece delivered a comprehensive performance in Group H, dismantling São Tomé and Príncipe 6-0. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (68′ P, 90’+1) and Elias Saad (40′, 45’+3) both bagged braces, supported by goals from Firas Chaouat (36′) and Ismael Gharbi (47′).
Senegal continued their push for qualification in Group B with a dominant 5-0 victory over South Sudan. A brace from Ismaila Sarr (29′, 54′), combined with goals from marksman Sadio Mané (46′), Nicolas Jackson (59′), and Cherif Ndiaye (76′), ensured a clean sheet and top position ahead of the final game day.
Sudan Eliminated after stalemate against Mauritania
The 0-0 draw between Sudan and Mauritania, coupled with other results in group B (specifically wins for Senegal and DR Congo), officially eliminated Sudan from contention for both the direct qualification spot (top position) and the potential play-off spot (second position). With only one match remaining, Sudan is six points behind DR Congo in second place.
Nigeria and DR Congo Grits Out Vital Wins
In matches that proved more challenging, two major African forces had to dig deep for their three points:
Nigeria survived a major scare against Lesotho, winning 2-1 after the Crocodiles mounted a late fightback. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong broke the deadlock from the penalty spot (55′), followed by a goal from substitute Akor Adams (80′). Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake (83′) scored to create a nervy finish, but Nigeria held on for the win in Group C.
In a crucial Group B encounter, DR Congo secured a vital 1-0 away victory over Togo, taking the fight right down to the wire after heartbreak against Senegal on home soil. Veteran striker Cédric Bakambu struck the decisive blow in the 7th minute, ensuring the DRC remains hot on the heels of Senegal. The Leopards must win on final day against Sudan and hope for a Senegalese slip-up so as to get automatic qualification. Without which, the men of Sébastien Desabre are well placed for a play-off spot.
Benin’s Upset Tightens Group C
The biggest upset of the night came in Group C, where the Benin secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Rwanda. Tosin Aiyegun’s late 80th minute strike sealed the win, significantly shaking up the standings in a group that now looks incredibly poised.
Finally, the highly anticipated Southern African derby in Group C between Zimbabwe and South Africa ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate, leaving South Africa stunned ahead of the penultimate last game day, strongly now in Benin’s favour.
Nigeria, Benin and South Africa stand a chance to qualify. A win for Benin against Nigeria sees them through, while a three-goals plus win for Nigeria with the Bafana Bafana dropping points will mean a crazy, comeback qualification for Eric Chele’s men. South Africa need to win against Rwanda, and offer a prayer for Benin to lose against Nigeria.
The qualifying action continues next week, promising more drama as the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.
