Gabon prepares to face Kenya with a full-strength squad, aiming to maintain top spot in their World Cup qualifying group.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabon will face Harambee Stars on Sunday afternoon in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
With top spot in Group F on the line, the Panthers are expected to unleash their strongest starting XI against a Kenyan side that has shown attacking flair but remains defensively vulnerable.
Head coach Thierry Mouyouma will be buoyed by the return of veteran striker Aubameyang, who missed their 3-0 win over Seychelles due to suspension.
Mohammed Bajaber was a shing light in Harambee Stars 3-3 draw against The Gambia but how did he perform at the Alassane Quattara Stadium in Ivory Coast?
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Aubameyang returns to lead the line
The return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a major boost for Gabon. The Al-Qadsiah forward, who is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 33 goals in 77 appearances, was forced to watch from the stands during their last outing due to accumulated yellow cards. Now back, his inclusion adds world-class firepower to Gabon’s attack.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang’s track record speaks for itself. He scored 141 goals for Borussia Dortmund, won the Bundesliga Golden Boot in 2016/17, and followed it up with a successful spell at Arsenal, where he won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2018/19 and led the Gunners to FA Cup glory. His experience and clinical finishing will be critical for Gabon as they push for their first-ever World Cup appearance.
He is expected to spearhead a three-man attack that also features Clermont Foot winger Jim Allevinah, who opened the scoring against Seychelles, and Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga, who netted a brace in that match. The trio offers pace, creativity, and finishing ability — a nightmare for Kenya’s leaky defense.
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Harambee Stars scored a last-minute goal to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw with The Gambia and after the stalemate, they have it all to do to claim a first-ever World Cup ticket.
Solid midfield trio in support
Behind the front three, Gabon’s midfield is anchored by a blend of creativity, steel, and experience. Guelor Kanga is the chief orchestrator, known for his passing range and vision. He is joined by Medwin Biteghe and Mario Lemina, the former Juventus and Southampton midfielder who brings top-level experience and tactical awareness.
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Gabon’s solid midfield trio in support
The trio will be tasked with dictating the tempo and disrupting Kenya’s rhythm. Lemina, in particular, adds a physical edge and calmness in possession, something that will be vital in a potentially hostile away environment.
Consistent backline and in-form goalkeeper
Defensively, Gabon are likely to retain the same back four that kept a clean sheet against Seychelles.
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy still has hopes of clinching a World Cup place despite a draw away to the Gambia as he looks to freshen up the team for Gabon on Sunday.
Anthony Oyono and Johann Obiang are expected to occupy the full-back positions, providing width when needed, while veteran Bruno Ecuele Manga marshals the center alongside Urie-Michel Mboula.
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Goalkeeper Loyce Marcus Mbaba continues to impress between the sticks. His command of the area and shot-stopping ability were crucial in the previous qualifier, and he will be aiming to frustrate a Kenyan side that has scored 10 goals in the qualifiers so far.
Gabon’s Probable Starting XI vs Kenya (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Loyce Marcus Mbaba
Defenders: Anthony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Urie-Michel Mboula, Johann Obiang
Midfielders: Guelor Kanga, Mario Lemina, Medwin Biteghe
Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jim Allevinah, Denis Bouanga
