Gabon will host Kenya at the Stade de Franceville for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday (November 16).
The hosts come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Guinea in an international friendly last month. Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy broke the deadlock in the 35th minute for the hosts, while Aaron Boupendza leveled the game from the spot just past the hour mark to help Gabon secure a draw.
Kenya, meanwhile, also shared the spoils in a 2-2 friendly draw with Russia in their last game. Aleksandr Sobolev opened the scoring for the Europeans in the eighth minute, but first-half goals from Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma saw Harambee Stars go into the break in front. Ivan Oblyakov came off the bench to score the equalizer just five minutes after coming on and a minute to go.
Kenya will now return to competitive action as they begin their bid to qualify for a maiden FIFA World Cup. They have been drawn alongside Gabon, Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia and Ivory Coast in Group F.
Gabon vs Kenya Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides. Gabon leads 2-1.
- Their most recent clash came in March 2001 when they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
- Four of Gabon’s last five games have yielded under 2.5 goals.
- Kenya’s last five games have seen more goals scored in the first half than the second.
- In five of Gabon’s last six competitive games, at least one team has failed to find the back of the net.
Gabon vs Kenya Prediction
Ivory Coast are the firm favorites to top this group and qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Gabon and Kenya are among the teams that can finish as runners-up for a possible place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
There is also the possibility that both sides qualify directly as group winners if the Elephants fail to step up to the plate. Kenya will be full of confidence after their surprise draw with Russia in a friendly last month, while Gabon have not won any of their last four games.
We’re backing the two sides to share the spoils in a low-scoring stalemate.
Prophecy: Gabon 1-1 Kenya
Gabon vs Kenya Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Draw
Tip 2 – Both teams to score
Tip 3 – Over 1.5 goals
Tip 4 – First Half Result: Draw
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