Mozambique kept their Africa Cup of Nations hopes alive with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Gabon at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, ending a long 16-match winless run in the competition that stretched across 12 defeats and four draws. Both sides came into the Group F clash desperate to respond after opening-game losses, but it was Mozambique who showed greater composure and purpose when it mattered.
This was the first-ever AFCON finals meeting between the two teams, and the early exchanges reflected the stakes. Both nations attacked with intent, and Mozambique looked increasingly dangerous as the first half progressed. Reinildo Mandava went close with a header from a corner in the 20th minute, glancing his effort just over from close range, before Mexer fired a free-kick over the bar after Faizal Bangal had been fouled on the edge of the area.
Mozambique’s pressure finally told in the 35th minute. Geny Catamo delivered a precise corner into the six-yard box and Bangal rose to head the ball into the ground and beyond the goalkeeper to give his side a deserved lead. Moments later the advantage doubled when Dominguês was tripped inside the box by Bruno Ecuele. Catamo stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-0 and spark celebrations among the Mozambique supporters.
Gabon, however, found a lifeline on the stroke of half-time. Didier Ndong unleashed a powerful drive that was parried into the danger area, allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to react quickest and finish from close range to cut the deficit heading into the break.
Mozambique resumed on the front foot after half-time and restored their two-goal cushion in the 55th minute. Witi swung in a superb cross from the flank and Diogo Calil met it with a towering header into the top centre of the goal to make it 3-1. Aubameyang soon went close again with a header that drifted wide, while Catamo forced Loyce Mbaba into a sharp save from distance as Mozambique continued to threaten.
Gabon refused to give up and were rewarded in the 76th minute when Alex Moucketou-Moussounda scrambled the ball home from close range following a corner to set up a tense finale. Mario Lemina then tested Ernan Siluane from range deep into stoppage time, but the Mozambique goalkeeper held firm as his side clung on for a historic victory.
The result not only reignites Mozambique’s AFCON journey but also breaks a long-standing winless streak stretching back over multiple tournaments. Gabon, who had previously dominated the head-to-head record with four wins from seven meetings, now face an uphill battle to qualify from the group.
Gabon will next take on Côte d’Ivoire, while Mozambique prepare for a crucial clash against Cameroon as they look to build on this morale-boosting triumph.
