Mozambique made history by defeating Gabon 3-2 in a Group F thriller to claim their first Africa Cup of Nations victory after a 39-year wait.
Mozambique secured a historic 3-2 victory over Gabon in Agadir this Sunday, ending a 39-year drought for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations win.
The “Mambas” entered the Group F clash having failed to win in 16 previous attempts since 1986. First-half goals from Faisal Bangal and Geny Catamo gave Mozambique a deserved lead before Diogo Calila added a third after the interval to seal the monumental result.
Gabon fought back through veteran captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who tapped in after a goalkeeping error, and Alex Moussounda, who scored during a late goalmouth scramble.
Despite the pressure, the Mozambicans held firm against a side ranked 24 places above them. The win moves Mozambique to three points in Group F, level with defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who are scheduled to meet later this evening in Marrakesh.
The match featured 42-year-old Domingues, the tournament’s second-oldest player, who led his side through a “seesaw struggle” before being substituted to protect the lead.
While Aubameyang and Didier Ndong tested goalkeeper Ernan Siluane repeatedly in the closing stages, Mozambique’s clinical finishing proved decisive.
This victory marks a turning point for the nation, keeping their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages firmly alive after decades of disappointment.