Aubameyang Goes Wild as Gabon Survive a Thriller
The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Africa is heating up fast. With one matchday left, every goal, every point, and every red card counts. From Aubameyang’s heroic haul to South Africa’s shock stumble, it was a night of drama, emotion, and pure chaos.
Aubameyang Goes Wild as Gabon Survive a Thriller
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rolled back the years with an unbelievable four-goal performance in Gabon’s 4–3 comeback win against The Gambia. The veteran striker scored twice before half-time, then added two more after the break to complete one of the most spectacular solo displays of the qualifiers.
But just as Gabon’s dream night looked perfect, disaster struck — Aubameyang saw red late on, ruling him out of the crucial final match against Côte d’Ivoire. Still, his brilliance keeps Gabon alive in Group F, just one point behind the Ivorians, who demolished Seychelles 7–0 to stay top.
Bakambu Keeps Congo DR’s Dream Alive
In Lomé, Cedric Bakambu struck early to hand Congo DR a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Togo. His thunderous finish in the seventh minute was enough to secure the points, with the Leopards’ defence — led by Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka — holding firm under pressure.
They remain two points behind Senegal and must win their final game against Sudan, hoping for a slip from the group leaders to claim the automatic ticket.
Sudan’s Hope Fades Away
Sudan’s World Cup dream ended in frustration after a dull 0–0 draw with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam. They pushed hard in the first half but couldn’t find a way past Abderrahmane Sarr, who was unbeatable in the Mauritanian goal. The second half offered little improvement, and Sudan’s campaign fizzled out with a whimper instead of a roar.
South Africa Slip, Nigeria Back in the Mix
In Durban, South Africa were held 0–0 by Zimbabwe, wasting a golden chance to take control of Group C. Despite dominating the game and having a man advantage for nearly half an hour, Bafana Bafana just couldn’t find the net — with Lyle Foster twice denied by the crossbar and a last-minute clearance off the line.
That draw opened the door for Nigeria, who grabbed a vital win thanks to Tosin Aiyegun’s late strike. The Super Eagles now sit two points behind group leaders Benin heading into the final round, where both teams will clash in a do-or-die decider.
The Final Countdown
The race to North America is reaching its breaking point. Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and South Africa are all still dreaming — but only those who keep their nerve will make it to the promised land.
