Historic First AFCON Victory for Mozambique After Thrilling Win Over Gabon

By Rita Yuosembom

Mozambique have written a new chapter in their football history after securing their first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Gabon 3–2 in a thrilling Group F encounter at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, Morocco, on 28 December 2025.

The landmark win ends a long-standing drought for the Mambas, who had gone 16 AFCON matches without a victory since making their tournament debut in 1986, recording four draws and 12 defeats before this breakthrough.

Mozambique opened the scoring in the 37th minute through Faisal Bangal, before Geny Catamo doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute. Gabon responded just before half-time, with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulling one back in stoppage time to make it 2–1 at the break.

The Mambas regained control early in the second half when Diogo Calila struck in the 52nd minute, restoring a two-goal cushion. Gabon mounted late pressure and reduced the deficit in the 76th minute through Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, but Mozambique held firm to claim a famous and historic victory.

The result gives Mozambique a crucial boost in Group F, which also includes Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, as they push for a place in the knockout stages. For Gabon, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging in the balance after conceding three goals in a must-win fixture.

For Mozambique, however, the night in Agadir will be remembered as the moment the nation finally broke its AFCON winless streak ,and did so in emphatic, dramatic fashion.

Photo credit: CAF / TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025