2026 World Cup qualifiers: Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma to announce squad for playoffs on Thursday

Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma is set to unveil his 25-man squad on Thursday ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, Africasoccer can report.

The announcement comes as excitement mounts ahead of Gabon’s semi-final showdown with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at the El Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Mouyouma is expected to name a formidable squad featuring captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, midfielder Mario Lemina, and in-form forward Denis Bouanga. Bouanga has been exceptional throughout the qualifiers, leading Gabon’s scoring chart with eight goals, while Aubameyang has chipped in with seven.

The Panthers will be aiming to extend their fine run and book a place in the final of the African playoffs, where a slot in the intercontinental playoffs will be up for grabs.

In the other semi-final fixture, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions are scheduled to face the Leopards of DR Congo, with both sides equally determined to secure a ticket to global football’s grandest stage.

After narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Gabon will be hoping that Mouyouma’s tactical discipline and the experience of his star players can finally propel the nation to its first-ever World Cup appearance.