AFCON 2025: Os Mambas Claim Maiden Win In Five-Goal Thriller
In a historic AFCON showdown at Agadir’s Adrar Stadium, Chiquinho Conde secured his place in the record books as the first manager to lead Mozambique to a victory in the tournament finals.
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The Mambas triumphed in a 3-2 nail-biter against Gabon, a result that signaled a major upset in Group F.
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The match remained largely uneventful for the first half-hour until Mozambique broke the deadlock through a clever set-piece. Geny Catamo delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, allowing Faisal Bangal to head the ball in from short range.
The momentum stayed with the underdogs, who quickly extended their lead after Bruno Ecuele Manga fouled Domingues in the box. Catamo took responsibility for the resulting penalty, coolly slotting it home to put Mozambique two goals up before the break.
Mozambique secured a historic first-ever AFCON victory, though it was a rollercoaster affair against Gabon. After Witi nearly made it 3-0 by striking the woodwork, Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang capitalized on the reprieve, scoring with the final kick of the first half to narrow the gap to 2-1.
The second half began with the same high intensity. Mozambique responded quickly to their shrinking lead when Witi turned provider, crossing to right-back Diogo Calila. Calila’s well-timed run into the penalty area ended with a downward header that beat Loyce Mbaba, restoring Mozambique’s two-goal cushion.
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The closing stages were defined by nerves and defensive pressure. With 14 minutes remaining, Alex Moucketou-Moussounda pounced on a rebound after a brilliant save by Hernâni Siluane, making it 3-2.
Despite a frantic “grandstand finish,” Mozambique held their nerve to claim their first win in 16 attempts at the tournament.
The victory drastically improves Mozambique’s outlook in Group F. Conversely, Gabon faces an uphill battle, sitting at the bottom of the table after suffering two consecutive losses.
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