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Mozambique ended a 39-year wait for their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, defeating Gabon 3-2 in a thrilling Group F clash in Agadir on Sunday.
The Mambas, who had drawn four and lost 12 matches since their AFCON debut in 1986, finally secured a historic win.
Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo, and Diogo Calila secured the win for Mozambique, who led 2-1 at half-time in the Moroccan coastal city.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moussounda scored for Gabon, who twice halved two-goal deficits, suffering a second consecutive loss following a defeat to Cameroon.
Defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who play later on Sunday, join Mozambique at three points each in the group.
Mozambique started strongly, with Catamo creating the first clear chance, though his control let him down.
Credit AFP
Ranked 24 places below Gabon, the Mambas were undeterred, taking the lead in the 37th minute when Bangal rose unchallenged to head in a corner.
Just five minutes later, Catamo converted a penalty after Bruno Ecuele Manga fouled Elias Domingues Pelembe, doubling Mozambique’s advantage.
Gabon pulled one back in first-half stoppage time through Aubameyang, tapping in after goalkeeper Ernan Siluane failed to hold a Didier Ndong shot.
However, Portugal-based right-back Diogo Calila extended Mozambique’s lead in 52 minutes with a well-placed header.
Aubameyang missed another chance shortly after, while 42-year-old Domingues, the second-oldest player at the tournament, was substituted for a more defensive option, Manuel Kambala.
Despite a tense finish, including a Moussounda goal for Gabon in the 76th minute following a goalmouth scramble, Mozambique held on for a historic victory, thrilling their fans and marking a new chapter in the country’s AFCON history.
