2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Denis Bouanga nets hat-trick as Gabon hammer Seychelles to overtake Ivory Coast in Group F

Gabon striker Denis Bouanga produced a first-half masterclass, scoring a hat-trick as the Panthers cruised to a 4-0 victory over Seychelles on Wednesday at the Cote d’Or Sports Complex, moving to the top of Group F in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Los Angeles FC forward opened the scoring in the 4th minute and added two more strikes in the 34th and 38th minutes, effectively sealing the win before halftime. Substitute Yannis M’Bemba completed the scoring with a late strike in the 89th minute, rounding off a dominant display.

Gabon now sit on 18 points from seven games, two ahead of Côte d’Ivoire, who have a game in hand. The two sides are set to meet later in the international window in what could prove to be a decisive clash for group supremacy. Côte d’Ivoire face Burundi on Friday, with an opportunity to reclaim the top spot with a win.

Bouanga’s treble also sees him take the lead in the qualifiers’ scoring chart with eight goals, surpassing Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.

Gabon began the match on the front foot, breaking the deadlock early as Bouanga capitalized on a defensive lapse down the left flank. He doubled the advantage shortly after the half-hour mark and completed his hat-trick just four minutes later, leaving Seychelles with an uphill battle.

The Seychelles side struggled to create meaningful chances in the second half. A booking for Onfia in the 61st minute summed up a frustrating afternoon, as Gabon’s fluid attacking movement and superior transitions repeatedly disrupted the islanders’ efforts.

M’Bemba’s late goal provided the finishing touch for Gabon, who now turn their attention to a crucial home tie against Côte d’Ivoire, with victory keeping their qualification hopes firmly in their hands.

Seychelles remain at the bottom of the group without a point but can take encouragement from a more organized second-half display as they seek their first result of the campaign.