Mozambique Beat Gabon in AFCON Thriller to Stay in Knockout Race

Mozambique kept their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 hopes alive after a dramatic 3-2 win over Gabon in Agadir, sealing their first-ever victory at the finals. The Mambas twice built two-goal leads and survived late pressure to finally end a long winless run at AFCON.

Faisal Bangal opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a free header from a corner, before Geny Catamo calmly converted a penalty three minutes later. Gabon struck back in first-half stoppage time when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacted quickest to a rebound.

Mozambique restored control early in the second half as right-back Diogo Calila headed home from a pinpoint cross. Gabon threatened a comeback and reduced the deficit on 77 minutes through Alex Moucketou-Moussounda after a corner scramble, but the equaliser never arrived.

The result lifts Mozambique into contention in Group F, while Gabon now face a must-win final match against Cameroon as hopes remain uncertain.