On September 3, 2025, Matchday 7 of the 2026 World Cup African Qualifiers kicks off with Seychelles hosting Gabon. The group favorites travel to face the tournament’s clear underdogs, aiming for a commanding victory to keep their top spot hopes alive.
Match Outlook: Seychelles vs Gabon
Seychelles have struggled all season. Their poor form was evident at last year’s COSAFA Cup, where they could only manage a draw against Lesotho and suffered defeats to Angola and Namibia. In the World Cup qualifiers, they have played six matches and lost every single one, conceding at least three goals per game and scoring only twice. Their most recent outing in March ended in a humiliating 0-5 defeat to Burundi.
Gabon, while boasting stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bouanga, have had a mixed journey themselves. They have never qualified for a World Cup, but this campaign has been strong. Apart from a narrow 0-1 defeat to group leaders Ivory Coast, Gabon have won all five of their other qualifiers. Although they failed to qualify for the African Nations Championship after a penalty shootout loss in March, the “Panthers” are clearly in top form and ready to dominate on the road.
Seychelles average just 0.8 goals scored per match while conceding 4.1. Gabon, meanwhile, average 1.7 goals for and 1.4 against on their travels.
Key Stats and Trends
Seychelles have lost 11 of their last 12 matches, earning only one draw
60% of Seychelles’ games see both teams score, with an average of 4.9 goals per match
Gabon have won 3 of their last 4 matches
40% of Gabon’s matches see goals at both ends, with an average of 3.1 goals per match
Probable Lineups
Seychelles (possible): Ah-Kong – Bristol-Cissoko, Payet, Walters, Hoesl; Sofa, Raherinaina, Mote; Kadio, Labrosse, Henriette
Gabon (possible): Mbaba – Obiang, Mbula, Manga, Oyono; Bitege, Lemina, Kanga; Bouanga, Babicka, Aubameyang
Head-to-Head
This will be the second meeting between these two sides. In March, Gabon cruised to a 3-0 victory in the first leg.
Expert Prediction
There is a clear gap in quality. Gabon’s firepower and experience make them overwhelming favorites. Expect Aubameyang and co. to take control and secure a comfortable win. Betting suggestion: Gabon to win with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds 1.75).
