Mozambique End 39-Year AFCON Win Drought with Thrilling Victory Over Gabon

Mozambique claimed their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory after a 39-year wait, edging Gabon 3–2 in a dramatic Group F encounter in Agadir on Sunday.

The Mambas went into the match having drawn four and lost 12 games since making their AFCON debut in 1986, but goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila finally ended their long wait for a win.

Mozambique led 2–1 at half-time in the Moroccan coastal city and twice restored a two-goal advantage despite fierce resistance from Gabon, who found the net through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moussounda.

The result leaves defending champions Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mozambique all on three points, with Ivory Coast and Cameroon meeting later on Sunday in Marrakesh.

Mozambique showed early intent and fashioned the first clear chance through Catamo, whose heavy touch allowed goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba to rush out and smother the danger.

Ranked 24 places below Gabon, the Mambas were the more adventurous side and deservedly took the lead in the 37th minute when Bangal rose unchallenged to head in from a corner, his effort bouncing into the net beyond the helpless Mbaba.

Five minutes later, Mozambique doubled their advantage after Gabon captain Bruno Ecuele Manga pulled the shirt of Elias ‘Domingues’ Pelembe inside the box. Catamo coolly dispatched the resulting penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Mozambique nearly added a third before the break when Witiness ‘Witi’ Quembo curled a long-range effort that struck the woodwork.

Gabon pulled one back deep into first-half stoppage time through their talisman Aubameyang. The 36-year-old Marseille striker was on hand to tap in after Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane failed to hold a Didier Ndong shot.

The Mambas restored their two-goal cushion seven minutes into the second half as Portugal-based right-back Calila surged forward to head home a Witi cross for his first international goal.

Aubameyang wasted a golden opportunity to score again shortly after, heading wide from close range, and Mozambique later replaced 42-year-old Domingues — the tournament’s second-oldest player — with defensive midfielder Manuel Kambala to shore up their lead.

Despite superb saves from Siluane to deny Aubameyang and Ndong, Gabon set up a nervy finale when Moussounda smashed home from close range following a corner in the 76th minute.

Mozambique held firm in the closing stages to secure a historic victory and breathe new life into their AFCON campaign.