In a stunning turn of events at the Africa Cup of Nations, Mozambique has finally broken a decades-long curse. The Mambas clinched their first-ever AFCON victory in 39 years by edging out Gabon in a thrilling 3-2 encounter on Sunday in Agadir, Morocco.
A Historic Breakthrough for The Mambas
This monumental win marks the end of a painful wait for Mozambique, who had participated in the tournament six times since their debut in 1986 without a single win. Their record stood at four draws and twelve losses before this historic match. The victory was a hard-fought, seesaw battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Match Highlights: Goals, Drama, and a Legend's Cameo
The match kicked off with Mozambique, ranked 24 places below Gabon globally, showing surprising ambition. The first clear chance fell to Geny Catamo, but poor control let him down. The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute by striker Faisal Bangal, who plays for an Italian fourth-division club. He rose unchallenged from a corner to head the ball home.
Just five minutes later, Mozambique doubled their lead. Gabon captain Bruno Ecuele Manga fouled his Mozambican counterpart, Elias 'Domingues' Pelembe, in the box. Catamo stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Gabon fought back before halftime. In added time, their star striker, 36-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, pounced on a rebound after the Mozambican keeper fumbled a shot from Didier Ndong.
Mozambique restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half. Right-back Diogo Calila, based in Portugal, ventured forward to nod in a cross from Witiness 'Witi' Quembo in the 52nd minute.
The drama continued as Aubameyang missed a golden chance from point-blank range. Later, veteran captain Domingues, the second-oldest player in AFCON history at 42, was substituted for a more defensive option.
Gabon set up a tense finish when Alex Moussounda slammed the ball home from a goalmouth scramble in the 76th minute, but Mozambique held on for a famous win.
Group Implications and Looking Ahead
This result throws Group F wide open. Mozambique now joins defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon on three points each, after the latter two played to a draw. Gabon, with two consecutive losses, faces an uphill battle to qualify. For Mozambique, this is more than just three points; it is a historic moment that validates years of effort and provides a massive boost of confidence for their football future.
