World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers Preview: Seychelles Host Gabon – Can the “Pirates” Stop the “Panthers”?

Soccer Genius
Match Previews
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On September 3, 2025, the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup continue, with Seychelles hosting Gabon. Seychelles are aiming for their first win in this campaign, while Gabon must secure all three points to keep their hopes of topping the group alive.

Seychelles vs Gabon: Key Stats and Trends

  • Seychelles have lost all of their last 7 matches

  • Seychelles have conceded at least 3 goals per game and scored only 2 goals in total

  • Gabon have won 5 of their last 6 matches, losing only once

  • Gabon have scored 12 goals and conceded 6 during this period

Recent Form

Seychelles have never qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) finals and are consistently ranked among the lowest teams in FIFA rankings. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they have played 6 matches so far, losing all of them, conceding at least 3 goals each match, and scoring only 2 goals. They are at the bottom of Group F with 0 points.

Gabon, meanwhile, have participated in the CAN finals nine times, reaching the quarter-finals twice (1996 and 2012). They have never qualified for a World Cup. Known as the “lungs of Africa,” Gabon have started this campaign strongly, winning five of their first six matches, with their only defeat a 0-1 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the third round. In recent friendlies, Gabon lost 3-4 to Niger but quickly bounced back with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau.

Recent Results

  • Seychelles: L L L L L

  • Gabon: W W W L W

Probable Lineups

Seychelles (probable): Kong, Cissoko – Payet – Walters – Justin; Sopha – Imra – Mothe; Cadeau – Labrosse – Henriette – Adela
Gabon (probable): Mbamba; Obian – Bruno – Jeremy – Oyono; Kanga – Lemina – Poko; Denis – Aubameyang – Andami

Head-to-Head

This will be the second meeting between the two nations. In the first leg, Gabon defeated Seychelles 3-0.

Expert Prediction

Gabon are clearly superior to their opponents, while Seychelles have struggled against every team in Group F. Considering Gabon’s balanced attack and defense, they are favored to win, but the total goals are unlikely to be high. Recommended bet: Gabon to win & under 4.5 goals (odds 1.85, success rate approx. 49%).

Tags

World Cup 2026 African
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