Saint-Pierre, Mauritius | September 3, 2025
Denis Bouanga scored a sensational first-half hat-trick as Gabon swept aside Seychelles 4–0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, a result that lifted the Panthers above Ivory Coast to the top of Group F.
The Los Angeles FC forward struck in the 4th, 34th, and 38th minutes, becoming the leading scorer in African qualifying with eight goals, two clear of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.
Substitute Yannis M’Bemba, who plays for Dutch club FC Dordrecht, sealed the victory with an 89th-minute goal, rounding off a dominant performance at the Cote d’Or Sports Complex in Saint-Pierre, Mauritius.
The match was relocated to Mauritius because Seychelles lack a stadium certified for international fixtures.
With the win, Gabon now lead Group F on 18 points from seven matches, two points ahead of reigning African champions Ivory Coast, who have a game in hand.
The result strengthens Gabon’s bid for a first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup, setting up a decisive showdown with Ivory Coast in their next qualifier.
