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Aubameyang left out as Gabon name squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the surprise omission from Gabon’s 23-man squad named for this month’s 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header.

New coach Thierry Mouyouma recalled young defender Urie-Michel Mboula, who received his first call-up in September, alongside two new goalkeepers.

Mangasport’s Loyce Mbaba and Anse Ngoubi Demba of fifth-tier French club US Raon-l’Etape are the shot-stoppers who received their first call-ups.

Mboula, a 20-year-old central defender who plays for Sanliurfaspor in Turkey, returns to the squad after missing last month’s friendlies.

The new coach opted to leave out the experienced striker Aubameyang when announcing his squad for the two matches against Kenya and Burundi.

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The absence of the France-based attacker comes amid a difficult spell at new club Marseille where he has managed just five goals since joining in the summer.

The 34-year-old was also not available for his country as he stayed with Marseille while Gabon played friendly matches last month.

But Aubameyang has now been frozen out again by new coach Mouyouma for the matches on 16 and 19 November.

Among the notable inclusions are some of Gabon’s seasoned campaigners, such as Mario Lemina of Wolves in England, Denis Bouanga plying his trade with Los Angeles FC in the MLS, Aaron Apidangoyé from Sivasspor in Turkey.

Didier Ndong, who currently plies his trade at Al-Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, was also included as all of these top players missed last month’s friendlies.

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Established players such as Mario Lemina, Denis Bouanga, Jim Allevinah, and Ecuele Manga will also be instrumental in guiding the squad during the upcoming fixtures.

Gabon have been placed in a tricky Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers alongside Kenya, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia and Seychelles.

Only the nine group winners will automatically qualify for the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico – and one team will enter the FIFA play-off tournament.

-Cafonline

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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MFM Women Basketball Club at Mountain top after comprehensive defeat of hosts Liberian club

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The mountains in Monrovia, Liberia are set on fire by Mountain of Fire and Miracle Women Basketball Club who comprehensively beat hosts, Invisible Eleven by 112-42 points in one of the opening matches of FIBA Africa Women Basketball League Zone 3 Qualifiers on Tuesday.

The General Overseer of the Christian church that owns the club, Dr Daniel Olukoya promptly sent a congratulatory message even as the team prepares for another duel this Wednesday against champions of Cote d’Ivoire, Friends Basketball Association (FBA) of Cocody.

“Thank you for flying the Nigerian flag so proudly in Liberia with your big win. The MFM family expects more from you as always. We will continue to support you to reach your potential and be the best at what you do.”

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Falcons, Green Ladies’ clash in Lagos on Tuesday to start 2pm

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Tuesday’s international friendly between the Super Falcons and Algeria’s Green Ladies at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos will now commence at 2pm, as against the earlier-advertised 4pm.

The Nigeria Football Federation explained on Sunday that the Algerian delegation has opted to commence their return journey on Tuesday night.

“This has necessitated us moving the match forward in order to finish the encounter early for them to prepare for their movement to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos for their return trip aboard Qatar Airways,” NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said.

The two international friendlies were put together by the Nigeria Football Federation to help the rebuilding process of the Super Falcons, following a below-par performance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer, and the departure of American gaffer Randy Waldrum.

Two magnificent goals by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade earned the Falcons a 2-0 win over the Algerians on Saturday. A good number of home-based professionals, including former U17 stars Miracle Usani, Chioma Olise and Goodness Osigwe showed great promise in an entertaining encounter at the Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne-Remo.

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Farid Benstiti, Coach of the Green Ladies, told thenff.com that his youthful team will prove a handful for the Falcons on Tuesday, having learnt a couple of things during the game in Ikenne-Remo.

“We will be much better on Tuesday. My girls have seen and learnt a few lessons today. We will take those lessons on board and dig our feet into the ground against the Falcons on Tuesday.”

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It’s hattrick as Morocco hosts CAF Awards for the third time in a row

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The CAF Awards will again hold in Morocco this time on 16 December. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the prestigious ceremony, which honors the best performers in African football, will again take place on December 16 in Morocco.

This marks the third consecutive year that the North African nation will host the event, following successful editions in 2022 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora and 2023 at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech.

No specific venue has been named for the 2024 edition.

The ceremony encompasses various categories, including the coveted African Player of the Year award, which has been presented annually since 1992, with Ghana’s Abedi Pele being the inaugural recipient.

Other notable accolades include the African Women’s Player of the Year, Youth Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Club of the Year awards, among others.

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