Preview:Seychelles vs Gabon - prediction, team news, lineups

In search of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Gabon will take on Group F whipping boys Seychelles at Cote d'Or National Sports Complex on Wednesday, hoping victory will lift them to the summit of the table.

The Panthers have amassed 15 points from six games, leaving them second in their pool, one point adrift of leaders Ivory Coast, while the Pirates remain rooted to the bottom without a point.

Match preview

Gabon return to competitive action for the first time in over five months, though the Panthers played two friendly games during the June international window, where they fell to Niger before bouncing back with a win over Guinea-Bissau.

Thierry Mouyouma’s men will aim not only to build on that positive result but also to continue their push towards the Mundial, having claimed back-to-back victories in March’s qualifying round.

The Panthers swept aside Seychelles 3-0 in Franceville before grinding out a 2-1 triumph over Kenya in Nairobi, and they have now registered 12 goals while conceding six in their qualification campaign.

Mouyouma’s side currently sit at the top of the runners-up play-off standings but remain intent on sealing direct passage, so taking three points on Wednesday is seen as a must ahead of their decisive home clash against Ivory Coast six days later.

Confidence is high within the camp, as Gabon have won three of their last four competitive away games, and brushing aside a lowly Seychelles outfit without full home support would be viewed as a routine step in their pursuit of a maiden World Cup appearance.

The Pirates face an uphill battle, with their challenge made even steeper by having to host the fixture at a neutral venue in Mauritania.

Seychelles occupy the foot of Group F without a single point, having shipped the most goals in the African qualifiers with 30 while finding the net only twice.

Already eliminated, Ralph Jean-Louis’s side approach this encounter seeking pride rather than progress, but their record makes grim reading as they have lost 11 of their last 12 outings (D1).

That includes their most recent internationals in March when they were dispatched 3-0 and 5-0, underlining the scale of the task as they chase redemption.

Seychelles World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Seychelles form (all competitions):

Gabon World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Gabon form (all competitions):

Team News

Seychelles boss Jean-Louis has assembled a 23-man squad combining domestic-based talents with a sprinkling of professionals from abroad.

Cambridge United youngster Samuel Okolie is among three uncapped players drafted in after training with the under-17s earlier this year.

Mouyouma has selected a 25-man group for Gabon, led by all-time record scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is expected to spearhead the attack once more.

The Marseille forward will be joined by an enterprising frontline that includes Denis Bouanga, Shavy Babicka, David Sambissa and Noah Lamina.

In midfield, the creative spark will come from former Wolverhampton Wanderers star Mario Lemina, supported by Didier Ndong, Guelor Kanga and Andre Biyogo Poko.

At the back, the Panthers boast solid options such as Antony Oyono, Yannis Mbemba and Johann Obiang, with goalkeeper Mbaba Loyce Marius expected to retain his place between the posts.

Seychelles possible starting lineup:

Ah-Kong; Walters, Payet, Cissoko, Mellie; Raheriniaina, Sophia, Ravignia; Henriette, Labrosse, Cadeau

Gabon possible starting lineup:

Mbaba; Oyono, Moucketou-Moussounda, Ecuele, Mboul; Poko, Lemina, Obiang; Kanga, Aubameyang, Bouanga

We say: Seychelles 0-3 Gabon

Gabon are tipped to stroll to victory given the gulf in class, with anything other than a comfortable win against Seychelles likely to be regarded as a major shock.

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