Gabon vs Kenya Tips and Predictions

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification is due to start, and Group F promises a great match right off the bat as Gabon will be hosting Kenya on Thursday, November 16. The kick-off at Stade de Francesville is scheduled for 5 pm local time.

Group F will offer one direct qualification spot, and Ivory Coast are the favourite to claim it. However, it will likely be between Gabon and Kenya who secures the second spot that offers the chance to advance to intercontinental play-offs. We will consider the importance of the upcoming clash in our Gabon vs Kenya tips.

Under 2.5 goals

To start off, we will be as precautious in our Gabon vs Kenya tips as we expect the two teams to be on the field. Since this will only be the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification for both sides, it makes little sense going all out right away. Thus, we expect a low-scoring game, and Bet365 gives 1.65 odds on under 2.5 goals.

Gabon have scored just three goals in their last five matches, and there were three goals or more in just one of these matches. Kenya, in the meantime, have scored five goals in the last five matches, and there were at least three goals on two occasions. However, we should also note that all of Kenya's recent matches were friendlies, so the level of competition was different.

So, with two low-scoring teams going head to head, and with it beingly only the opening round, the fans should not hope for a goal fest on Thursday.

Both teams to score? No

To expand on the same line of thinking, we believe that the low number of goals will also mean that one of the teams will not score. Bet365’s odds on one team not scoring – be it Gabon or Kenya – stand at 1.80.

Our reasoning here is that neither team will want to expose themselves at the back, especially early into the game, as one point at the start of the campaign is still a good result. Even more so for Kenya, who will be playing away and thus be more inclined to adopt a defensive approach.

If there will be a goal, no matter who will score it, it is far more likely that the lucky team will decide to defend their lead instead of scoring the second. And since this will be the first time in history that Gabon and Kenya go face to face, the teams cannot use prior experience to tackle this game and will use the first 30 minutes to adapt to one another.

Gabon win

In the end, if there is one team that can win this match, we believe it to be Gabon. They have been winless in their last four matches but that poor run may come to an end on Thursday.

First of all, the Panthers play at home so they will have the local crowd encouraging them to attack. If Patrice Neveau’s team is serious about their intentions to fight for a qualification spot, a positive result against direct competitors Kenya is a must.

And second, Gabon seems to have the better team, at least on paper. They have quite a few players currently competing in Europe’s top divisions, among which are the national team’s top goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Premier League midfielder Mario Lemina. Kenya, on the other hand, do not have a single player of a similar calibre.

Bet365 offers 2.30 odds on a Gabon win. And if you want to combine this with the previous tip, then the odds on Gabon beating Kenya to nil stand at 3.75.

Please remember to always gamble responsibly. Our Gabon vs Kenya tips are mere suggestions, not a call to action. Always rely on your own judgement in the end.