Gabon Wins Thrilling 4-3 Encounter Against Gambia in World Cup Qualifiers
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores four goals in Gabon's 4-3 win over Gambia in a thrilling World Cup qualifier match.
Gabon kicked off their World Cup qualifier against Gambia with a clear intent to attack...
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals for Gabon in their 4-3 win against Gambia, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive. Aubameyang's goals in the 20th, 42nd, 62nd, and 78th minutes secured a thrilling victory for Gabon.
Aubameyang's performance was marred by a red card in the 86th minute after receiving two yellow cards. Despite playing with 10 men, Gabon held on to their lead and secured the win. Gambia's Adama Sidibeh scored twice, including a late first-half equalizer, while Yankuba Minteh also scored for The Gambia.
The win keeps Gabon just one point behind group leaders Ivory Coast, who thrashed Seychelles 7-0. Gabon now faces Burundi in their final group match, while Ivory Coast takes on Kenya. Senegal also secured a 5-0 win over South Sudan, maintaining their two-point lead over DR Congo in Group B.
Gambia's Scorpions, led by coach Johnathan McKinstry, have shown impressive form, with two consecutive wins in their previous qualifiers. They defeated Kenya 3-1 and then beat Burundi 2-0, demonstrating their growing strength in the competition.
Meanwhile, Gabon's Panthers have also had a strong run, earning four points from their last two qualifiers. They thrashed Seychelles 4-0 and then held African champions Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw, showcasing their defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess.
Gabon vs Gambia: A Thrilling Encounter
Gabon kicked off their World Cup qualifier against Gambia with a clear intent to attack, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put Gambia's custodian, Baboucarr Gaye, to the test with a long-range strike from halfway down the field. However, the former Arsenal striker's effort sailed over the bar.
Gambia responded strongly, with Musa Barrow whipping in a powerful free-kick in the 10th minute, although it unfortunately didn't find its target. The Gambian striker continued to threaten Gabon's goal, delivering another precise free-kick into the box two minutes later. Unfortunately for Gambia, Joseph Ceesay's header from the cross sailed inches wide of the post.
Gambia's Scorpions maintained their attacking threat, nearly breaking through Gabon's defense in the 15th minute. Joseph Ceesay delivered a precise low cross from the right flank to Musa Barrow, who unleashed a powerful shot. However, Loyce Mbaba made a crucial save, palming the ball away for a corner.
Gabon seized the opportunity to take the lead in the 20th minute. Denis Bouanga's clever midfield pass found Aubameyang, who received the ball with finesse. The Gabonese captain skillfully beat Gambia's goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye one-on-one, looping the ball into the net to give Gabon a 1-0 lead.
Gambia quickly responded to Gabon's lead, equalizing just three minutes later. A long ball from Gambia's goalkeeper Gaye found Yankuba Minteh, who skillfully weaved into the box and scored past Gabon's goalkeeper Mbaba. This marked Minteh's third goal at Kasarani Stadium, following his brace against Kenya in September.
Gabon's Mario Lemina became the first player to receive a yellow card in the 30th minute for a foul on Mahmudu Bajo, who was making a run towards goal.
Just before halftime, Gabon regained the lead with a well-taken goal. Aubameyang scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, finding the back of the net and giving Gabon a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Gambia equalized again, just three minutes after Gabon's second goal, with Yankuba Minteh turning provider this time. Minteh's pass found Adama Sidibeh, who skillfully beat Gabon's goalkeeper Mbaba with a low shot, leveling the score at 2-2 at halftime.
Gambia Takes the Lead
Gambia took the lead for the first time in the 47th minute, just moments after the second half kicked off. Joseph Ceesay received a pass on the right wing, sprinted to the baseline, and delivered a precise cross into the box. Adama Sidibeh met the cross with a powerful header that hit the right post before rebounding into the net, giving Gambia a 3-2 lead.
Gambia's 3-2 lead lasted just 15 minutes, as Gabon equalized to make it 3-3. Guelor Kanga's clever pass found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who powered home a header to complete his hat-trick.
Aubameyang then scored again in the 78th minute, drilling home his fourth goal of the match. However, his heroics were tempered by a red card eight minutes later, after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Ali Sowe.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Gabon held on to secure a 4-3 win, their seventh victory of the campaign.
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