The World Cup Qualifiers match between Gabon and Kenya will take place at Stade de Franceville (new) on Thursday at 9:30 pm IST.
Gabon and Kenya kick off their quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they face each other at Stade de Franceville on Thursday. The two teams find themselves in Group F, alongside Burundi, Seychelles, Gambia, and the two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast.
Gabon faced a setback in their recent friendly against Guinea, ending in a 1-1 draw on October 17. Despite Serhou Guirassy’s goal in the 36th minute, Aaron-Salem Boupendza’s 62nd-minute penalty equalized the match. The draw followed a disappointing conclusion to their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, finishing third in Group I, just one point above Sudan. While Gabon had a strong start in the qualifiers with two wins and a draw, defeats in the final three matches dashed their hopes for a consecutive tournament appearance. Despite their recent struggles, the Panthers return home unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 competitive matches since November 2019, with one exception being a 2-0 defeat against Congo DR in June.
Kenya, excluded from the 2023 AFCON qualifiers due to suspension, concluded their friendly schedule with a 2-2 draw against Russia at the Mardan Sports Complex on October 16. Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma Choka’s goals gave them a half-time lead after Aleksandr Sobolev’s early opener, but Ivan Oblyakov’s 89th-minute goal leveled the score. Under Engin Firat, Kenya played six friendlies in the past year, securing victories against Pakistan and Qatar. Their last competitive match was a 2-1 win over Rwanda in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in November 2021. The Harambee Stars face Gabon in their quest for a first-ever World Cup appearance, with Gabon having struggled in three of their last four meetings since January 1997.
Gabon probable starting lineup: Mbaba, Obissa, Appindangoye, Obiang, Oyono, Kanga, Lemina, N’Dong, Boupendza, Bouanga, Allevinah
Kenya probable starting lineup: Matasi, Omar, Kibunguchy, Okumu, Nondi, Otieno, Abuya, Muguna, Masika, Ouma, Olunga
Gabon
| Opponents | Score |
|---|---|
| Guinea | 1-1 (D) |
| Mauritania | 1-2 (L) |
| DR Congo | 0-2 (L) |
| Sudan | 0-1 (L) |
| Sudan | 1-0 (W) |
Kenya
| Opponents | Score |
|---|---|
| Russia | 2-2 (D) |
| South Sudan | 0-1 (L) |
| Watar | 2-1 (W) |
| Mauritius | 0-1 (L) |
| Pakistan | 1-0 (W) |
The upcoming match between these two teams is going to be their first head to head encounter ever.
The World Cup Qualifiers match between Gabon and Kenya will take place at Stade de Franceville (new) on Thursday at 9:30 pm IST.
| Gabon vs Kenya | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 16 |
| Venue | Stade de Franceville (new) |
| Kickoff time in Gabon | 5:00 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in Kenya | 7:00 pm (Thursday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 9:30 pm (Thursday) |
Football fans internationally can catch the live action via FIFA+ while those in Gabon and Kenya can watch the match live via RTG Gabon and KBC Channel 1 respectively.
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