AFCON 2025: Mozambique edge Gabon in emphatic five-goal thriller to keep round of 16 hopes alive
.png)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 28.12.25. | 18:00
Despite Gabon’s late onslaught, Mozambique’s defense remained resolute, ensuring the Mambas celebrated their first-ever victory in a historic debut meeting between the two nations
Mozambique held their nerve under late pressure from Gabon to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over The Panthers, keeping their aspirations for a Round of 16 berth alive in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The win marked Mozambique’s first triumph of the tournament, lifting them to three points alongside fellow Group F members Cameroon and Ivory Coast, reigniting their hopes of progression.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
For Gabon, the result confirmed a second consecutive defeat, leaving them rooted at the bottom of the group alongside Botswana, with elimination looming despite one match still to play.
The encounter, featuring two sides desperate to recover from opening-day losses, promised a high-stakes, do-or-die battle.
Gabon had fallen to defending champions Ivory Coast, while Mozambique suffered defeat to five-time champions, Cameroon, placing both teams in the so-called “Group of Death,” where only victory could offer a path to progression, even as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Mambas came out of the blocks aggressively, testing Gabon’s resilience early on.
Ten minutes into the match, Witiness Quembo of CD Nacional cut past defenders, only to be denied by a crucial block from Gabon’s André Biyogo Poko.
Moments later, UD Songo captain Dominguez Pelembe narrowly missed after connecting with a precise delivery from Faizal Bangal, signaling Mozambique’s early dominance.
Reinildo Isnard Mandava of Sunderland and Geny Catamo of Sporting CP also went close, with headers and curling shots narrowly off target, keeping Gabon pinned in their own half.
Elias Gaspar Pelembe, Mozambique’s UD Songo defender, unleashed a fierce long-range effort that skimmed just wide of the post.
Mozambique Strike First
The persistent pressure eventually bore fruit in the 37th minute when Bangal headed home a perfectly weighted corner from Catamo, giving Mozambique the lead.
Three minutes later, Catamo doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Dominguez was fouled in the box by Bruno Ecuele Manga.
Mozambique’s dominance almost extended further as Quembo’s volley rattled the post, and Ricardo Guimarães’ rebound attempt went over the bar, underscoring the Mambas’ attacking threat.
Gabon, however, responded before the break, with former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang capitalizing on a parried save from Ernani Siluane to pull one back, providing a lifeline going into halftime.
After the interval, Mozambique returned more determined extending their lead ten minutes into the final half
Diogo Calila’s towering header, set up by Quembo’s deft run down the left flank, restored a two-goal cushion, sending the visitors into a commanding position.
Gabon pressed hard in the second half, with Aubameyang and Jacques Ekomié coming close, but Edson Mexer and Siluane ensured Mozambique’s advantage held.
In the 75th minute, Sivasspor’s Aaron Appindangoyé reduced the deficit for Gabon from a rebound, making it a nervy finish.
In the dying moments, Catamo thought he had sealed the win for Mozambique with a long-range strike, only for the goal to be disallowed by Tunisian referee Mehrez Melki.
Despite Gabon’s late onslaught, Mozambique’s defense remained resolute, ensuring the Mambas celebrated their first-ever victory over Gabon in a historic debut meeting between the two nations.
The win keeps Mozambique in contention for the knockout stages, while Gabon now faces the harsh reality of an early exit from the tournament.
.jpg)
