Gabon-Mozambique : The Mambas Live On

Never underestimate the Mambas. Mozambique proved they are Group F's surprise package at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, stunning Gabon 3-2 beyond all expectations at the Grand Stade Agadir, yesterday December 28, 2025. This result revives their round-of-16 dreams after clinching three points following an opening-day defeat to defending champions Côte d'Ivoire. For Gabon, it is a sad story: zero points from two matches, likely waving goodbye to AFCON at the group stage. Star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang started; unlike against Cameroon; but could not salvage even a point.
Mozambique opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Faizal Bangal. Minutes later, they earned a penalty converted by Geny Catamo at the 41st minute. Just as the Mambas eyed a two-goal halftime lead, Aubameyang pounced in stoppage time, rebounding a parry from Mozambique keeper Ernan Alberto to spark Gabonese hope.
Both sides returned with fire, knowing everything hung in the balance. After early pressure, Diogo Calila rose for a 51st-minute header from the center of the box, making it 3-1 for Mozambique. Gabon pushed hard; Aubameyang and crew squandered chances; but substitute Alex Moussounda pulled one back at the 76th minute, igniting late dreams. The Panthers pressed for an equalizer, but the Mambas held firm, claiming all three points. Mozambique even had a ch...