Gambia vs Gabon: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Heroics Turn Sour as Red Card Mars Four-Goal Showcase at Kasarani Stadium

Gabon approached their World Cup qualifier against The Gambia determined to secure all three points and boost their chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sitting second in the group with 19 points, just behind Ivory Coast's 20, Gabon knew the margins for qualification were razor-thin. Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh aimed to help The Gambia climb the FIFA rankings after their early exit from contention. Despite being out of the running, The Gambia looked to finish the campaign on a high note.

Meanwhile, Marseille star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was focused on guiding Gabon toward automatic qualification. With qualification hanging in the balance, the stakes were high for both sides in this crucial encounter

In the first-leg encounter, the match ended 3-2 in favour of hosts Gabon, but it was overshadowed by controversy when the stadium lights went out after the first half, forcing players to wait before play could resume.

The Gambia threatened Gabon's defense for the better part of the first half, with Yankubah Minteh, who gave the Gabon defender a run for his money.

The match started with former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang placing Gabon in the lead in the 20th minute. However, his celebration did not last long, as Gambia took it personally.

The Scorpions drew level in the 23rd minute thanks to Yankuba Minteh, as the match began to gain momentum. Yankuba Minteh crafted several opportunities throughout the first half, but his attempts were repeatedly thwarted by the goalkeeper and a struggling defence.

The match continued with a series of opportunities granted to both sides before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the back of the net in the 42nd minute.

The Gambia, refusing to rest on their laurels, struck back once more, with striker Adama Sidibeh finding the net in added time to secure a dramatic equaliser.

The second half kicked off at high intensity, with Gambia taking the lead as Adama Sidibeh powered a header straight into the back of the net.

The Gambia came close to extending their lead further as Yankuba Minteh sprinted across the pitch, but crucial saves from the goalkeeper and defenders saved the day. After several attempts, Gabon equalled the scores in the 62nd minute courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The match intensified with both sides looking formidable to add more goals, with Yankuba Minteh and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starring. However, it was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who made a mark in the 78th minute again, placing Gabon in the lead.

While celebrating, he struck the corner pole and received a yellow card, which was quickly followed by a red card after a scuffle with another player in the 85th minute.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brilliance once again proved vital as Gabon edged The Gambia 4-3 in a pulsating encounter. Despite being reduced to ten men after Aubameyang's late red card, Gabon showed composure and fighting spirit to secure all three points.

The victory kept their World Cup qualification hopes firmly alive, while The Gambia, though already out of contention, earned praise for their spirited performance and refusal to back down until the final whistle.