Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stole the spotlight with four goals, while Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire are on the brink of qualification and with emphatic victories in Friday’s FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Gabon, aided by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s four-goal heroics, edged Gambia 4–3 in Nairobi after a thrilling comeback to be themselves in the mix of a playoff spots in the qualifying race going into the final day.
Aubameyang’s night ended dramatically as he received two yellow cards in quick succession, ruling him out of Gabon’s decisive final match against Burundi.
Elsewhere, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire maintained control of Groups B and F with dominant wins. Ismaïla Sarr’s brace inspired Senegal to a 5–0 demolition of South Sudan in Juba.
DR Congo, however, stayed within two points after a narrow 1–0 victory over Togo, courtesy of Cedric Bakambu’s early strike.
In Saint Pierre, the Ivory Coast dismantled Seychelles 7–0, with seven different players finding the net.
Tunisia also impressed, dismantling São Tomé and Príncipe 6–0 to keep their impressive showing in the qualification race after securing a place at the World Cup last September.
Meanwhile, the drama in Group C will go down to the final day as Benin Republic, Nigeria secured vital victories as South Africa stumbled against Zimbabwe .
Benin secured a crucial 1–0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, thanks to an 80th-minute strike from Tosin Aiyegun.
The result put the Cheetahs two points clear at the top of Group C and strengthened their hopes of a historic first World Cup qualification.
South Africa held on to second place after a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Durban, while Nigeria climbed to third.
The Super Eagles earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, with goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams.
Nigeria will aim to overtake Benin when both sides clash in Uyo on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, South Africa must defeat Rwanda in Nelspruit to stay in contention for the group’s top spot.
Friday, October 10 – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CAF) Results:
South Sudan 0–5 Senegal
Gambia 3–4 Gabon
Togo 0–1 DR Congo
Seychelles 0–7 Ivory Coast
Sudan 0–0 Mauritania
São Tomé 0–6 Tunisia
Rwanda 0–1 Benin
Lesotho 1–2 Nigeria
Zimbabwe 0–0 South Africa
The qualifying race will end after Matchday 10 next Tuesday as five automatic places are to be filled.
However teams can still hope for four play off slots for Africa’s sole intercontinental playoff slot for a chance to also qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in North America.
