Gabon secured a dramatic 4–3 victory over The Gambia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier, powered by a sensational four-goal performance from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Despite a bright start from The Gambia, Aubameyang opened the scoring in the 20th minute with Gabon’s first dangerous attack.

Yankuba Minteh equalised three minutes later after being superbly assisted by goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye.

Aubameyang struck again in the 43rd minute, but Adama Sidibeh levelled deep into first-half stoppage time following a well-timed pass from Minteh.

The Scorpions took the lead for the first time early in the second half when Joseph Ceesay’s cross found Sidibeh, who headed home in the 47th minute.

However, Gabon responded as Aubameyang completed his hat-trick in the 62nd minute before netting his fourth in the 78th to restore the Panthers’ lead.

There was late drama when Aubameyang was sent off in the 86th minute for a second bookable offence, but The Gambia failed to make their numerical advantage count in the closing minutes.

The Scorpions produced plenty of attacking moments but were undone by defensive lapses and missed opportunities.

Gabon, on the other hand, made the most of their chances with Aubameyang’s ruthless finishing proving the difference.

By Ebrima KB Sonko