MAMBAS MAKE HISTORY WITH FIRST AFCON WIN
Mozambique has finally broken its long‑standing Africa Cup of Nations curse, claiming a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Gabon in their Group F clash in Agadir on Sunday.
This was Mozambique’s first-ever win at the AFCON finals after nearly four decades of trying.
The Mambas had never won a match at the continent’s biggest football tournament since their debut in 1986, going 16 games without a win before this breakthrough result.
It was a back‑and‑forth encounter that saw Mozambicans take the lead midway through the first half.
Faisal Bangal headed home from a corner in the 37th minute to give the underdogs the advantage before Geny Catamo coolly converted a penalty just before half‑time, making it 2‑0 and sending their fans into raptures.
But Gabon refused to roll over. Captain Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back right before the break, and Alex Moucketou‑Moussounda made it tense in the 76th minute, cutting the deficit to 3‑2 and setting up a nervy finish.
Diogo Calila added the all‑important third goal early in the second half with a close‑range header, sealing the historic result and lifting the Mambas to three points in the group alongside big names like Ivorythe Coast and Cameroon.
Image credit: Impuls Radio Africa