Mozambique Shock Gabon To Secure Historic First AFCON Victory
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Mozambique finally broke their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) jinx on Sunday, recording their first-ever victory at the continental showpiece with a dramatic 3–2 win over Gabon in Group F at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, Morocco.
In their sixth AFCON appearance, and after enduring 17 winless matches across previous tournaments, Os Mambas delivered a performance for the history books, overcoming a Gabon side led by star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Coach Chiquinho Conde’s men entered the encounter under the weight of an unwanted record, having never tasted victory at AFCON.
Following a narrow 1–0 opening defeat to Ivory Coast, Mozambique approached their second group match with tactical discipline and renewed belief and it paid off handsomely.
Mozambique took the lead in the 37th minute when AC Mestre FC striker Faisal Bangal rose unmarked to power home a header from Geny Catamo’s inviting corner from the right.
The breakthrough ignited confidence within the Mozambican ranks.
Five minutes later, the advantage was doubled.
Veteran midfielder Elias Pelembe was hauled down in the penalty area by Gabon sweeper Bruno Ecuele Manga after a clever dribble, and Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo calmly converted from the spot to make it 2–0.
Just when Mozambique seemed poised to head into the interval comfortably, Gabon struck back in added time.
Aubameyang pounced on a rebound after goalkeeper Ernan Siluane punched Ibrahim Ndong’s shot into his path, finishing clinically to reduce the deficit and shift the momentum heading into halftime.
Buoyed by the goal, Gabon emerged stronger in the second half, introducing Alex Moussounda for Ecuele Manga, while Mozambique responded with a defensive switch, bringing on Manuel Kambala for Pelembe.
Despite early Gabon pressure, Mozambique restored their two-goal cushion in the 61st minute.
Left winger Witiness Quembo delivered a teasing cross across the face of goal, and fullback Diogo Calila nodded the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Mozambican supporters.
Gabon pressed desperately for a way back, with Aubameyang squandering two gilt-edged chances.
The Olympique Marseille forward first sent a diving header wide before being denied by an alert Siluane, who punched his close-range effort to safety.
The pressure eventually told in the 76th minute when substitute Alex Moussounda bundled the ball over the line from close range following a corner kick that Mozambique failed to clear, setting up a tense finale.
Mozambique nearly sealed the contest late on when Catamo found the net in the 89th minute, but his deflected effort was ruled out for offside. The ruling proved inconsequential as the final whistle soon followed, confirming a famous victory.
The result lifts Mozambique to third place in Group F on three points, level with leaders Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who were yet to play their second matches. Mozambique will conclude their group campaign against Cameroon on Wednesday, while Gabon face Ivory Coast on the same day.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
