Mozambique ended a 39-year wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations victory after defeating Gabon 3–2 in their Group F encounter in Agadir at AFCON 2025 on Sunday, December 28. The result places Gabon on the brink of elimination after back-to-back defeats, while Mozambique revived their campaign with a historic three points.
Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila secured the breakthrough win for the Mambas, their first at the continental finals since debuting in 1986. Veteran winger Elias Pelembe, aged 42, played a pivotal leadership role in a performance widely regarded as deserved.
Gabon, who scored through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, remain winless and face defending champions Côte d’Ivoire next, with their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. The victory marked a strategic turning point for Mozambique, who had previously recorded only four draws in 16 AFCON matches and had never progressed beyond the group stage.