Denis Bouanga hat-trick inspires Gabon to dominant victory over Seychelles in World Cup qualifier

Gabon secured a commanding 4-0 win over Seychelles on Wednesday in the opening fixture of Matchday 7 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, strengthening their position at the top of Group F.

The Panthers wasted no time asserting control, with Denis Bouanga opening the scoring just four minutes after kick-off to ignite early celebrations among the home supporters.

The Gabonese forward continued his clinical display, striking twice more in the first half to complete a hat-trick before the interval, giving Thierry Mouyouma’s side a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.

With the match firmly in their grasp, Gabon slowed the tempo in the second half, opting to conserve energy for their upcoming fixtures. Seychelles offered little resistance as the Panthers controlled possession, patiently managing their advantage.

The final goal of the evening arrived in the 89th minute through Yannis Mbemba, sealing an emphatic victory and underlining Gabon’s attacking firepower.

The result places Gabon provisionally at the summit of Group F with 18 points, ahead of Ivory Coast’s clash with Burundi on Friday.

The standings are set for an even more decisive showdown when Gabon face Ivory Coast on Matchday 8, a fixture likely to determine group supremacy.

Bouanga’s heroics were a reminder of his importance to the national team, with his early strike setting the tone for a dominant performance. Seychelles, meanwhile, struggled to cope with Gabon’s intensity, finding themselves outclassed in both possession and defensive organisation.

For Mouyouma and his squad, this convincing display not only boosts confidence but also applies pressure on their closest rivals in the qualification campaign. Gabon’s balance of attacking precision and disciplined game management suggests they are well-equipped to continue their pursuit of a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With just three matchdays remaining in the qualifiers, every point will prove vital. Gabon’s latest victory ensures they hold a crucial advantage heading into a highly anticipated meeting with Ivory Coast, where the group’s top spot could be decided.

Seychelles, rooted at the bottom of the standings, will need to regroup quickly to restore pride in their remaining fixtures.

Mouyouma praised his team’s composure and efficiency after the match, particularly their ability to capitalise on early opportunities and maintain defensive stability throughout.

While Gabon eased their intensity in the second half, their dominance was never in doubt, and the late goal from Mbemba added further gloss to a commanding performance.

As anticipation builds for Friday’s Group F clash between Ivory Coast and Burundi, Gabon’s emphatic statement against Seychelles has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the qualification campaign.wd

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SEYCHELLES 0-4 GABON#FEGAFOOT #AllezLesPanthères #WC2026Q pic.twitter.com/G6NVjqwVdS

— Fédération Gabonaise de Football (@fegafoot_gabon) September 3, 2025