Aubameyang respects Harambee Stars but dreams of World Cup place

Gabon striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang says he is aware of the threat Kenya's Harambee Stars offer but is confident they can pull off a win in Nairobi on Sunday.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Aubameyang was a notable part of the visiting Gabon squad that trained at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier against the East African nation.

Group F currently sees Ivory Coast leading with 13 points from five matches played. Gabon have 12. Kenya have 6.

With a few games left to play after this round of matches, Sunday represents a must win scenario for both sides but especially Harambee Stars whose hopes will surely fade if they don't collect a win.

"It is my first time in Kenya and this is a nice country. We have been welcomed very well, he told reporters during Gabon's open training session," the Gabon forward says.

"We know it will be a tough game. We know Kenya plays together as a team. However, we also know what we require to get to the World Cup and I trust that the boys will be prepared for this match."

Only the group winners qualify for the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada directly, with runners up set for a playoff. The top sides will want to avoid a playoff as expected.

"Finishing first is the easy one. You don't want a playoff but we will see where we can end up," he added.

The first-leg clash between the two sides ended in a 2-1 win for Gabon in November 2023. Dennis Bouanga and Guelor Kanga were on the scoresheet. Masuud Juma scored Kenya's goal on the day.

Ivory Coast host the Gambia in another group F clash in Abidjan on Monday night. They know a win will lift them close to a first World Cup since 2014.

Kick-off in Nairobi is at 4 pm local time.