Mozambique ended a 39-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations victory, defeating Gabon 3‑2 in a Group F match at the Adrar Stadium on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
The southern African side, known as Os Mambas, had not won an AFCON match since their debut in 1986, drawing four and losing 12 of their previous 16 tournament fixtures.
Mozambique took the lead in the 37th minute when Faisal Bangal headed home from a corner.
Shortly before half-time, Geny Catamo converted a penalty to make it 2‑0.
Gabon responded with a goal from captain Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, but Diogo Calila restored Mozambique’s two-goal advantage early in the second half.
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Alex Moussounda scored for Gabon in the 76th minute, but Mozambique held on for the historic win.
The result gives Mozambique three points in Group F, keeping their hopes alive for progression to the knockout stages alongside defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who are also level on points in the tightly contested group.
Mozambique’s breakthrough provides a significant morale boost and marks a historic milestone in the nation’s football history.