Mozambique Secures First-Ever AFCON Finals Victory in Five-Goal Thriller

MOROCCO :  After 39 years and 16 attempts, Mozambique has finally tasted victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. The “Mambas” secured a historic 3-2 win over Gabon on Sunday, ending an unwanted record and blowing Group F wide open.

Since their debut in 1986, Mozambique had failed to win a single match at the finals, carrying a record of five draws and 10 defeats into the 2025 tournament. Under the steady hand of manager Chiquinho Conde, the 102nd-ranked nation proved they belong on the big stage, taming the Gabonese “Panthers” in an absorbing contest.

Mozambique dominated the opening exchanges, finally breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute when Faisal Bangal headed home unmarked from a corner. The lead was doubled shortly after when Sporting CP star Geny Catamo clinicaly dispatched a penalty following a foul on veteran midfielder Domingues.

Gabon’s talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed to pull one back in first-half stoppage time, pouncing on a rebound to give his side hope heading into the break.

Mozambique restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half through a Diogo Calila header, but Gabon refused to go quietly. Alex Moucketou-Moussounda tucked home a loose ball in the 76th minute to set up a frantic finale. Despite heavy pressure from Gabon, Mozambique held firm to claim the three points.

The result leaves Mozambique level on points with powerhouses Ivory Coast and Cameroon, setting the stage for a dramatic final round of group fixtures.