Aubameyang aims for AFCON triumph after boosting Gabon's World Cup hopes

03/27/2025 07:00 AM

Gabon and Al-Qadsiah striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang explained his next target after his country dented the World Cup hopes of Benni McCarthy's Kenya.

At 35, Aubameyang remains sharp and determined. He scored a brace against the Harambee Stars, earning the Panthers three crucial points in the qualifiers.

Speaking to CAFonline, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang declared his ambition to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

“If I were to set myself a goal, it would be to win the Africa Cup of Nations,” he stated. “It would be a dream, perhaps seen as ambitious by some, but for me, it's a real objective.”

He emphasised his commitment to the tournament, adding: “I'm going there with unwavering determination. It would also be something extraordinary for the country to reach the final and deliver a great performance. It would be truly incredible.”

The former Chelsea and Marseille expressed his disappointment at missing the previous Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, saying it was painful to watch from the sidelines. He views the upcoming tournament in Morocco as a chance for redemption.

“I think we missed out on a great AFCON because I personally watched it on TV, and it was really nice to see. I find it disappointing that we didn’t participate. But we have to make up for it and go as far as we can in the next one.”

Aubameyang expressed surprise at Gabon’s World Cup qualifying group, stating he didn’t anticipate facing Ivory Coast, Burundi, Kenya, Gambia, and Seychelles in Group F.

“I think it’s the group of death. We’re used to it now. We often end up in tough groups. But I think it’s a good thing — it's a big test from the start," he added.

"At least it gives a direction for the competition because if you manage to get out of this group, it means you’re capable of winning the Africa Cup of Nations. I think these are the biggest nations we could face, so it will give us a good idea when we come out of it.”