Gabon pulled off an inspiring comeback as they defeated Gambia 3-2 in their CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture on Tuesday evening at Stade de Franceville.

The result sees the team captained by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sit in second place of the Group F standings, while Africa Cup of Nations winners and leaders Ivory Coast occupy first position.

Gabon fell behind in the first half as Yankuba Minteh opened the scoring in the match in the 33rd minute. The Panthers went into the break behind, but did well to recover in the second half when they equalised through Jim Allevinah in the 52nd minute.

As the match intensified, Aubameyang powered the Panthers into the lead and Denis Bouanga doubled it two minutes later. Gambia came back to give them trouble as Ebou Adams put the ball into the back of the net in the 79th minute.

Gabon did well to keep from conceding an equaliser and collected all three points in the fixture, putting them a point within reach of Ivory Coast. Gambia are fourth in the group with three points having recorded only one victory in four games.

Gabon: L. Mbaba, A. Moucketou-Moussounda, B. Ecule Manga, A. Appindangoye, D. Sambissa, M. Lemina, B. Biteghe (E. Bocoum 62’), G. Kanga, J. Ekomie (J. Allevinah 27’), P. Aubameyang, D. Bouanga

Gambia: E. Jarju, O. Gaye, O. Colley, E. Ceesay, M. Sanneh, A. Manneh (A. Bojang 83’), E. Colley (E. Adams 59’), A. Fadera (M. Juwara 59’), M. Barrow, Y. Minteh, A. Sidibeh

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com