AFCON 2025
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang produced a sensational four-goal performance to inspire Gabon’s 4–3 comeback over The Gambia, keeping Group F alive heading into a dramatic final round.
Elsewhere, giants Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire flexed their muscles with emphatic victories, tightening their grip on automatic qualification and setting up a blockbuster finish across the African qualifiers.
South Sudan 0–5 Senegal
Senegal produced a ruthless performance in Juba, dismantling South Sudan to move a step from securing their World Cup berth. Ismaila Sarr grabbed the first goal before Sadio Mané pounced early in the second half to double the advantage.
Sarr struck again soon after, Nicolas Jackson converted a spot-kick and Cherif Ndiaye came off the bench to seal the five-goal victory. A home win over Mauritania on Tuesday would confirm their qualification.
Togo 0–1 DR Congo
Cedric Bakambu struck inside the opening 10 minutes to keep DR Congo within touching distance of Senegal. He fired home from the edge of the box after Fiston Mayele dispossessed a Togolese midfielder and slipped him through.
Togo applied pressure late on, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba ensured the visitors held on. DR Congo must now beat Sudan and hope Mauritania stun Senegal.
The Gambia 3–4 Gabon
Aubameyang delivered one of the most striking performances of the campaign, netting four times to haul Gabon past The Gambia.
He opened the scoring, only for Yankuba Minteh to respond quickly. The Gabon captain struck again, but Adama Sidibeh scored either side of half-time to put the hosts 3–2 ahead.
Aubameyang headed in his third to level matters before blasting in the winner from range. His night ended in disappointment when he was dismissed for a second booking, ruling him out of the crucial meeting with Burundi.
Seychelles 0–7 Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire tightened their grip on top spot with a devastating performance against Seychelles.
The scoring started early through Ibrahim Sangaré’s penalty, followed by goals from Emmanuel Agbadou, Oumar Diakité and Evann Guessand before half-time.
Yan Diomandé, Simon Adingra and Franck Kessié added further strikes after the break. If they defeat Kenya on Tuesday, their place at the World Cup will be secure.
Sudan 0–0 Mauritania
Sudan’s faint hopes of qualification were extinguished after a stalemate with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam. James Kwesi Appiah’s team saw plenty of the ball but failed to make it count, with Saifeldin Malik wasting the clearest late opportunity. Mauritania goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr impressed, denying several close-range efforts and helping both nations exit the race.
