Mozambique Shock Gabon In Afcon Group F Thriller

Mozambique delivered one of the surprises of the Africa Cup of Nations so far after edging Gabon 3-2 in an action-packed Group F Round 2 encounter at the Stade dAgadir on Sunday afternoon.

The Mambas started with clear intent and were rewarded in the 37th minute when Faisal Bangal rose highest to head home from close range following a corner, putting Mozambique firmly in control. Gabon struggled to settle and their problems deepened five minutes later when Geny Catamo calmly converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0 after a foul in the area.

Just as Mozambique looked set to cruise into the break, Gabon found a lifeline in stoppage time of the first half. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed his class with a composed finish from the centre of the box in the 45+5th minute to cut the deficit and revive the Panthers belief heading into halftime.

Mozambique restored their two-goal cushion shortly after the restart. Right back Diogo Calila powered in a header in the 52nd minute, capitalising on a well-delivered cross to make it 3-1 and silence the Gabon support.

Gabon responded with renewed urgency, pushing numbers forward and creating sustained pressure. Their efforts paid off in the 76th minute when defender Alex Moucketou-Moussounda reacted quickest from a corner to poke the ball home from close range, setting up a tense final phase.

The closing minutes saw Gabon throw everything at Mozambique, with Mario Lemina and Andre Poko both going close, but goalkeeper Ernan Siluane stood firm despite picking up a late yellow card. Mozambique defended bravely through seven minutes of added time to seal a famous victory.

The result boosts Mozambique chances in Group F while leaving Gabon with work to do in the final round. For the Panthers, missed chances and defensive lapses proved costly, while Mozambique were rewarded for their discipline, efficiency and resilience on a dramatic afternoon in Agadir.