Mozambique ended a 39-year wait for their first Africa Cup of Nations victory after edging Gabon 3-2 in a thrilling Group F encounter in Agadir on Sunday, December 28, in the AFCON 2025.
The Mambas came into the match having drawn four and lost 12 games since their AFCON debut in 1986, but goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila secured a historic win.
Mozambique, ranked 24 places below Gabon, were the brighter side early on and deservedly took the lead in the 37th minute.
Bangal, who plays his club football in Italy’s fourth division, rose unchallenged from a corner and powered a header into the net.
Five minutes later, the Mambas doubled their advantage after Gabon captain Bruno Ecuele Manga fouled Dominguês Pelembe in the box.
Catamo calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba the wrong way.
Gabon pulled one back deep into first-half added time through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who tapped home after Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane failed to hold a shot from Didier Ndong.
Mozambique restored their two-goal cushion shortly after the restart when right-back Diogo Calila surged forward to head in a pinpoint cross from Witiness Witi Quembo.
Aubameyang missed a golden opportunity to respond moments later, heading wide from close range, before Mozambique made a tactical change by replacing 42-year-old Domingues with Manuel Kambala to shore up midfield.
Despite Siluane producing a series of fine saves, Gabon set up a nervy finish in the 76th minute when Alex Moussounda slammed home from close range following a corner.
Mozambique held firm under late pressure to secure a landmark victory that lifts them level on three points with defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who face each other later on Sunday in Marrakesh in the final Matchday two fixture of AFCON 2025.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
