Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had all good things to say about Kenyans after scoring twice to all but end Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualification hopes.
Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has expressed his admiration of Kenyans following the great reception he was afforded as his team played Harambee Stars on Sunday.
Aubameyang was the match winner for Gabon as he scored twice in their 2-1 victory against Kenya to boost their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.
The Al Qadsiah striker pounced on a great pass to slot home unmarked in the box in the 16th minute and sealed his brace via the penalty spot in the 52nd minute, before Michael Olunga pulled one back for Kenya.
Harambee Stars had a much-improved performance in their 2-1 loss to Gabon at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday and here is how the players performed.
However, even after he broke Kenyans hearts, Aubameyang was still received well by fans at a sold-out Nyayo National Stadium, perhaps owing to his past connections as Arsenal captain and Chelsea striker.
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The 35-year-old has paid glowing tribute to Kenyans for the great show of support.
“Kenya was mad, thanks for the welcome,” Aubameyang posted on his X account.
The striker is Gabon’s all-time top scorer, having taken his tally for his country to 35 goals, following his brace in Nairobi.
Gabon now occupy top spot in Group F with 15 points from six matches although Ivory Coast can move to 16, if they defeat The Gambia on Monday, and looks set for an epic battle with the African champions for top spot which guarantees a direct ticket to the World Cup.
If they fall short, they will have to navigate their way through the playoffs that will be played by teams that finish second in their group.
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South Africans continue to send mixed signals regarding Benni McCarthy’ appointment as Harambee Stars coach.
For Kenya, however, it is another failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup as six points from as many matches leaves them out of contention, given they are already nine points behind Gabon and it could be 10 adrift of Ivory Coast by the end of Monday.
