Mozambique claimed their maiden Africa Cup of Nations victory in dramatic fashion, overcoming Gabon 3-2 at the Grand Stade d’Agadir to keep their knockout stage hopes alive whilst simultaneously eliminating the Panthers from the tournament.
The Mambas, appearing in their sixth AFCON finals, finally secured the historic breakthrough that had eluded them across 16 previous matches spanning nearly four decades. For Gabon, the defeat represents a crushing blow, ending their tournament aspirations after just two matches and condemning Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s side to a disappointing early exit.
Mozambique seized control of the contest in the opening period, punishing Gabon’s defensive lapses to establish a commanding 2-0 advantage. The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute when Faizal Bangal rose unmarked to meet Geny Catamo’s pinpoint cross from a corner, powering his header from very close range into the top left corner.
The Sporting CP playmaker Catamo, who has emerged as one of the tournament’s most exciting talents, proved instrumental throughout. His creativity and direct running caused persistent problems for Gabon’s backline, and he extended Mozambique’s lead from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute after Bruno Ecuele Manga was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the area. Catamo calmly converted the spot-kick with his left foot, sending his effort into the bottom left corner to double the Mambas’ advantage.
Gabon appeared shell-shocked by Mozambique’s clinical start, struggling to impose their technical quality on proceedings. However, veteran striker Aubameyang, wearing the captain’s armband, ensured his side retained hope heading into the interval. In first-half stoppage time, Didier Ndong’s powerful right-footed effort from outside the box was punched back into play by Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane. The 36-year-old Marseille forward reacted quickest, pouncing on the loose ball to fire home with his right foot from the centre of the box into the centre of the goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1 at the break.
The second period began with Mozambique reasserting their authority. Just seven minutes after the restart, Diogo Calila restored the two-goal cushion with a towering header from the centre of the box that flew into the high centre of the goal. Witi, who had been introduced from the bench, provided the pinpoint cross that found Calila unmarked, allowing the midfielder to score his first international goal and seemingly put the result beyond doubt at 3-1.
Gabon, facing elimination, threw caution to the wind and launched a desperate offensive. Their pressure finally told in the 76th minute when Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, who had replaced Shavy Babicka shortly after the hour mark, pulled a goal back. The substitute’s right-footed strike from the centre of the box beat Siluane and found the high centre of the goal, making it 3-2 and setting up a frantic finale.
The Panthers dominated the closing stages, pinning Mozambique deep inside their own half as they desperately sought an equaliser that would keep their tournament alive. However, the Mambas’ defensive organisation, which had absorbed considerable pressure, remained resolute. Gabon’s attacks grew increasingly direct as frustration crept into their play, with Mozambique defenders throwing themselves in the way of shots and crosses to preserve their slender advantage.
Despite intense late pressure and several nervous moments for the Mozambican defence, the Mambas held firm through four additional minutes to secure their historic triumph. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from Chiquinho Conde’s players, who had delivered when their backs were against the wall following defeat to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire in their opener.
The result marks a watershed moment for Mozambican football. Having participated in AFCON finals in 1986, 1996, 1998, 2010 and 2023 without tasting victory, the Mambas had established an unwanted record as the team with the longest winless streak at the tournament finals. Their 3-2 triumph represents not just three vital points, but validation of years of development and belief.
For Gabon, the defeat compounds the disappointment of their opening 1-0 loss to Cameroon. Thierry Mouyouma’s Panthers, who reached the quarter-finals in 1996 and 2012, found themselves eliminated after just two matches in a group that also features Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon. Aubameyang’s AFCON campaign ends in familiar frustration, extending his winless run at the tournament to seven matches.
The result leaves Group F delicately poised heading into the final round of fixtures. Mozambique move to three points and remain in contention for qualification, though they face a daunting final assignment against five-time champions Cameroon. Gabon, eliminated with zero points, will play for pride against reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, who face Cameroon in a heavyweight clash that will determine the group winners.
