Mozambique finally celebrated a long-awaited Africa Cup of Nations triumph as they edged Gabon 3–2 in a dramatic Group F encounter in Agadir on Sunday, ending a 39-year winless run at the tournament.
The Mambas went into the match with a bleak AFCON record of four draws and 12 defeats since their debut in 1986, but they showed bold intent from the outset.
Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila gave the southern Africans a deserved victory after a pulsating contest, with Mozambique leading 2–1 at the break in the Moroccan coastal city.
Despite being ranked 24 places below Gabon, Mozambique were the sharper side early on and were rewarded in the 37th minute when Bangal, who plays his club football in Italy’s fourth tier, rose freely from a corner to head past goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba.
Five minutes later, Geny Catamo doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Gabon captain Bruno Ecuele Manga hauled down Elias “Domingues” Pelembe, calmly sending Mbaba the wrong way.
Gabon responded just before half-time through their talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who tapped in after Mozambique keeper Ernan Siluane failed to hold a Didier Ndong effort.
Any hopes of a comeback were dented early in the second half when right-back Diogo Calila surged forward to nod home Witiness “Witi” Quembo’s cross on 52 minutes, restoring a two-goal cushion.
Aubameyang later missed a golden chance with a close-range header, while Siluane produced fine saves to deny both the Marseille striker and Ndong.
Gabon, however, refused to fade quietly and reduced the deficit again on 76 minutes when Alex Moussounda fired home from a crowded goalmouth following a corner, setting up a nervy finale.
Mozambique held firm to seal a historic win, leaving Group F finely poised with the Mambas, defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon all on three points.
