AFCON 2025: Mozambique Make History, Record First Ever Win at the AFCON Finals
History was written at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Mozambique recorded their maiden victory at the tournament finals, edging Gabon 3-2 in a pulsating Group F clash at Stade Adrar in Agadir.
The Mambas stunned the Panthers with a blistering first-half display. Faisal Bangal broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, before Geny Catamo doubled Mozambique’s advantage five minutes later from the spot, leaving Gabon reeling and the underdogs dreaming.
Gabon, however, found a timely response through their talisman. Just before the halftime whistle, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back to give the Panthers renewed belief heading into the break.
Mozambique refused to be rattled. Seven minutes after the restart, Diogo Calila struck to restore the Mambas’ two-goal cushion, sparking wild celebrations and tightening their grip as history stared.
Yet the contest was far from over. With 14 minutes left on the clock, Alex Moucketou-Moussounda reduced the deficit once again, setting up a tense finale as Gabon pushed for an equalizer.
But the Mambas stood firm in the closing stages, showing resilience and composure to see out the match and seal a landmark victory—their first at the Africa Cup of Nations finals after six appearances.
The result keeps Mozambique’s knockout hopes alive. They now turn their attention to a decisive final group game against Cameroon, where a positive outcome could secure a place in the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
Even if they fall short, this famous win could still be enough to see them progress as one of the four best third-placed teams, depending on results elsewhere in other groups in the final group games.
For Mozambique, the long wait is finally over and a new chapter at the AFCON has begun.