Preview: Gabon and Mozambique seek redemption in decisive Group F clash

Gabon and Mozambique battle for their first points of the tournament, with Gabon expected to recall star duo Aubameyang and Lemina to the starting XI.

Gabon and Mozambique face off at the Adrar Stadium this Sunday, with both nations desperate to revive their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

Both teams suffered narrow 1-0 defeats in their opening fixtures—Gabon to Cameroon and Mozambique to defending champions Ivory Coast.

With zero points on the board, this encounter is seen as a “must-win” for both sides to avoid an early exit from the tournament in Morocco.

Gabon manager Thierry Mouyouma is expected to make significant tactical changes after his side failed to convert any of their 12 shots against Cameroon.

The biggest surprise of the opener was the exclusion of stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina from the starting lineup.

Both veterans were introduced as early substitutes last time out, but with survival on the line, they are widely tipped to lead the Panthers from the first whistle on Sunday.

The “Mambas” of Mozambique enter as underdogs, burdened by a historically poor record of 16 AFCON finals games without a victory.

Manager Chiquinho Conde is under pressure to solidify a defense that has conceded eight goals in their last four matches.

Despite the defensive “malaise,” Conde is likely to maintain faith in the squad that pushed Ivory Coast, with Hernani Siluane starting in goal and Witi operating as the lone striker.

Historically, Gabon holds the upper hand with three wins in their last four meetings. However, Mozambique’s resilient performance against the champions suggests a closely contested match.

Analysts anticipate a cagey affair in Agadir, as the fear of a second consecutive loss may lead to a defensive approach from both camps.

A draw would keep both teams mathematically alive, but would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread ahead of the final group games.