Mozambique earned a dramatic 3–2 victory over Gabon in Agadir to claim their first-ever win at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The landmark result hands Chiquinho Conde’s side a strong chance of reaching the knockout stage for the first time, while dealing a major blow to Gabon’s qualification hopes after the Panthers also lost their opening Group F match to Cameroon.
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Mozambique took early control through Faisal Bangal, who headed home from a corner, before Geny Catamo doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back for Gabon in first-half stoppage time to reduce the deficit.
Any hopes of a Gabon comeback were checked shortly after the restart as rampaging right-back
Diogo Calila headed in Mozambique’s third goal in the second half. Gabon responded once more when Alex Moucketou-Moussounda bundled home a loose ball from a corner, setting up a tense and absorbing final 20 minutes as both sides pushed relentlessly.
The final whistle confirmed a historic achievement for Mozambique, ending nearly four decades of waiting for a win at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Man of the Match Geny Catamo expressed pride in the team’s performance after the game.
“I am very proud to represent Mozambique and to have made my contribution to Mozambique’s first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations,” Catamo said. “We are proud of this win.
“I hope this victory will motivate us to keep working and bring more wins to our country. I ask the people to continue supporting us. We can go far, and our mindset is to keep pushing in this tournament.”
The result leaves world No. 102 Mozambique third in Group F, level on points with group leaders Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who face each other in Marrakesh later on Sunday.
Gabon must beat Ivory Coast in their final group match in Marrakesh on Wednesday to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Mozambique take on Cameroon in Agadir at the same time.
